No Rides But a New Year's Day Hike Set for Rocky Point

EAST GREENWICH, RI — Rhode Island's newest coastal park -- which used to be the most popular amusement park -- will be the place to go New Year's Day for a guided hike.

The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is organizing the two-mile tour to coincide with the annual First Day Hikes event organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. Guided tours are being held in all 50 U.S. states. This year's national tour schedule is available online at www.naspd.org. Tours are free and open to the public.

Last year, DEM picked the Blackstone Valley State Park to showcase, and some 350 turned out.

This year's hike starts at noon in the parking lot across from 415 Palmer Ave.

"Rhode Island is home to a wide array of historic parks, beaches, bikeways and other recreational facilities," the DEM writes in its press release. "Rocky Point, once a popular amusement park, is now a sprawling green space that looks out over Narragansett Bay. As part of the tour, participants will take in the sights along the Park's coastal trail and learn about the history of the park."

According to the National Association of State Park Directors, over 55,000 people participated nationally in the First Day Hikes event on January 1, 2016. The local event, held at Blackstone Valley State Park, drew over 350 people.

"Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear hiking boots. Parking is available across the street from 415 Palmer Ave. All vehicles must be removed from the parking lot by 3 p.m. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information or to register, contact Felicia Celeberto at Felicia.celeberto@dem.ri.gov."

Hashtag your hike (#FirstDayHikes) to join the national conversation on New Year's Day.

Patch File Photo