First Day Hike planned for parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands
ALBANY, N.Y. » Governor Kathy Hochul is inviting New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the new year with a First Day Hike.
Parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State will host a variety of First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2022. They include seal walks, fire tower treks, lakefront trails, boardwalks, towpaths, walks along waterfalls, historic estates, military forts and more.
“First Day Hikes are a widely popular tradition among New York families, as they remind us just how important our outdoor areas are to our health and happiness year-round,” Hochul said in a press release. “New York State is home to so many unique hiking trails, and it’s a joy to visit for all ages. Hiking on one of the state’s beautiful trails is a unique way to welcome a bright, optimistic new year.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) host or partner with volunteer organizations to organize the many walks and hikes being held as part of the popular First Day Hikes program, marking its 11-year anniversary.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid added, “The New Year is an ideal time to take a break from our hectic daily lives and embrace the outdoors with a walk or hike in New York’s breathtaking scenic settings. First Day Hikes are a fun tradition that offer a chance to experience our state’s natural treasures in the winter season.”
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos agrees. “New York’s annual First Day Hikes grow in popularity every year, and to meet growing interest DEC added seven new hikes this year. Now more than ever, New Yorkers and visitors are getting outside and exploring our state’s world-class natural destinations and trails,” he said in the release. “DEC is proud to continue to host these hikes with our partners at State Parks and I encourage New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to get outdoors with family and friends this New Year’s Day.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event options for hikes range from self-guided treks to small staff- or volunteer-led hikes to multiple event options that day, allowing par
ticipants the time and space to social distance while still enjoying nature’s winter wonders.
The walks and hikes are family-friendly, and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. Hikes are being offered at more than 75 state parks, historic sites, DEC state lands, wildlife areas, Forest Preserve trails and environmental education centers with select sites offering multiple event options. The events may include drawings for an annual Empire Pass, as well as keepsake giveaways.
Empire State Development’s vice president and executive director of tourism Ross D. Levi said in the release, “First Day hikes are a great way to celebrate New York’s outdoors with family and friends this winter. Any hike can become an overnight getaway when paired with craft food and beverage, a museum visit or live performance, and a stay at a heated cabin or cozy B&B. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come be a part of it, from snow-capped mountains and frozen waterfalls to other majestic winter scenes that await in our State Parks and public lands.”
First Day Hikes are scheduled for eight different locations within the Greater Capital District, including 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Grafton Lakes State Park; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Peebles Island State Park and 10 a.m. at Saratoga Spa State Park.
A full list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, preregistration requirements and additional information can be found online at parks.ny.gov and dec. ny.gov. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and preregister where required; alternate locations should be considered as capacity restrictions and registration limits may impact availability.
Starting in Massachusetts in 1992, First Day Hikes are now a national event taking place in all 50 states.
Other ideas for celebrating 2022 in the outdoors include finding a local park or trail. With the recent completion of the Empire State Trail, the longest multi-use state trail in the nation, residents along the 750-mile route have a wide variety of local trail segments to enjoy in all four seasons. Information about the trail is available on the website, empiretrail.ny.gov.