Enjoy a hike along the beautiful trails at Gillette Castle State Park as part of the national First Day Hikes initiative!
Are you curious about the history of the trails you will traverse? Check out the Hiking & History Map created by the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, which provides information layered on top of the recently updated DEEP map!
The Visitor’s Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special events New Years Day (weather-dependent)
Self guided hikes - all day - Print the Hiking & History map at home, and bring more insight to your hike! Printed maps are also available at the welcome table from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; a $1 donation for the map is appreciated to defray printing costs.
Hot cider and trail maps - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Welcome table with trail maps that explain the route of William Gillette's trail system, and hot cider to keep everyone warm and toasty.
William and Helen Gillette - 11:30 a.m.. Historic interpreters of William and Helen Gillette will be on site to welcome everyone!
Guided hikes: departing the Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m.
Participate in guided hikes of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train system. The hikes are each approximately an hour long, and they cover gentle and flat trails that have some brief climbs. Guided hikes will be limited to 20 visitors each, and REQUIRE advance registration at the links below. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended. We hope to see you there! If a guided hike is cancelled, everyone who signed up will get an email. Deadline for advance registration is December 31st at noon.
Registration for guided hikes:
Click the time you want to register for. Press the button <Reserve a Spot>. If there are openings, you will be able to <Register>. Registration is complete once you fill out your contact information and press <Register>.