13th annual First Day Hikes return on Monday
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » Gov. Kathy Hochul is encouraging New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the New Year at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails, and public lands across the Empire State on Monday.
The 13th annual First Day Hikes program is offering varied hike options for people at more than 80 locations across the state to enjoy.
“New York’s public lands are something to behold. We lead the nation on State public lands, and we house the nation’s oldest state park. As New York State Parks celebrates its Centennial next year, our First Day Hikes is the first of many celebratory events,” Hochul said in a press release. “I invite all New Yorkers to begin the New Year by experiencing New York’s beautiful landscapes and enjoying the environmental and cultural legacy we call home.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host the many walks and hikes taking place throughout the state as part of the 13th Annual First Day Hikes program.
“First Day Hikes is particularly meaningful this year, as it marks the beginning of our Centennial celebration. 2024 will be a year in which all New Yorkers come together in celebration of our parks and historic sites,” New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “On January 1, we invite you to connect with your community and revisit an old favorite or discover a new destination. We can’t wait to see you out there.”
“The First Day Hikes program is a tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike to come together on New Year’s Day and celebrate the new year by spending time outdoors with friends and family,” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos added. “Once again this year, DEC is proud to join our State Parks partners to host 22 hikes at environmental education centers, State forests, wildlife management areas, fire towers, and special places across the state.
“I’d especially like to thank the hundreds of staff and volunteers helping to plan and host this year’s First Day celebration to kick off 2024.”
The walks and hikes are family-friendly and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions.
More than 90 hikes are being offered at state parks, historic sites, DEC state lands, wildlife areas, forest preserves and canal trails and environmental education centers. Noteworthy for 2024 is an exploration of Camp Hero State Park on Long Island; a hike along the newly-completed Quaker Run Multi-Use Area Trail at Allegany State Park; post-hike art activities at Olana; a hike along the Erie Canal at Herkimer Home; and a hike focusing on Indigenous history at Peebles Island.
The Catskill Visitor Center hike leads up to the Upper Esopus Fire Tower qualifying for DEC’s annual Fire Tower Challenge. DEC’s North-South Lake
Day Use Area hike leads to the Catskill Mountain House, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary since it opened its doors to the public.
Throughout 2024, there will be many ways for New Yorkers to celebrate the Parks Centennial. The Centennial Challenge showcases the broad variety of recreational and educational opportunities available at New York State Parks and Historic Sites by offering the opportunity to earn prizes for experiencing 24 out of 100 suggested activities at a park or site. First Day Hike participation is a Centennial Challenge activity.
In 1923, Governor Alfred E. Smith endorsed an ambitious plan for a statewide system of parks connected by scenic parkways and boulevards. In 1924, New York State established the State Council of Parks and voters approved a $15 million bond to enact the plan. Over the next decade, New York established 55 new state parks. Today, the system has grown to include more than 250 parks, beaches, boat launches, trails and historic sites.
A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for Parks, DEC, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.
Starting in Massachusetts in 1992, First Day Hikes are now a national event taking place in all 50 states. While the following locations are offering organized activities, most of New York’s public lands are accessible on this day and throughout the winter season.
List of First-Day Hikes in the Capital Region:
Adirondack Ultra Cycling, Schuylerville; (518) 583-3708
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar; (518) 475-0291 (2 hikes)
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton; (518) 2791155 (2 hikes)
Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort; (518) 793-0511
Mine Kill State Park, North Blenheim; (518) 8278691
Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes; register at friendsofpeebles@gmail.com (2 hikes)
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs; (518) 8106906
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Fort Hunter; (518) 829-7516
Thacher State Park, Voorheesville; (518) 807-7640
List of First Day Hikes in the North Country/ Adirondacks:
Cat Mountain, Lake George Wild Forest, Bolton Landing; (518) 338-8173
Coney Mountain, Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, Tupper Lake; (315) 916-4038
John Brown Farm State Historic Site, Lake Placid; (518) 527-0191
Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), Paul Smiths; (315) 832-2695
Point Au Roche State Park, Plattsburgh; (518) 563-0369
Prospect Mountain, Lake George Wild Forest, Lake George; (518) 623-1268
Robert G. Wehle State Park, Henderson; (315) 9385302
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Sackets Harbor; (315) 646-2321
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry — Adirondack Interpretive Center, Goodnow Mountain, Newcomb; (518) 582-4551, Ext. 113
Wellesley Island State Park, Fineview; (315) 4822479
Winona State Forest, Lacona; (315) 785-2610 (taking place on 12/31)