Outdoor enthusiasts are being invited to kick off the new year with a First Day Hike on the Catharine Valley Trail in Schuyler County.
The hike, part of New York State Parks and Historic Sites’ annual First Day Hike program, will begin at 10 a.m. Jan. 1 at the Fairgrounds Lane Trailhead. Participants will hike approximately two miles, traveling from the trailhead to Route 14 and back.
The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, which will raffle off a New York State Empire Pass to participants. All hikers will receive a First Day Hike bandana, and a group photo will be taken at 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome and will also receive bandanas. Organizers say the hike is a family-friendly way to ring in the new year.
About 100 hikers participated in last year’s First Day Hike despite cold and rainy conditions, and organizers are hoping for similar or higher turnout this year, depending on the weather.
The Friends group will also showcase new trail brochures, mile markers and mobile app signage that are being installed this winter and into the spring. The signage project was made possible through a grant sponsored by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and will be installed by New York State Parks.
Organizers say the past year has brought significant improvements to the 13-mile trail, including surface upgrades along the entire route, the addition of a pavilion at the southern trailhead, and the launch of new brochures and a mobile app.
The Catharine Valley Trail hike is one of more than 90 First Day Hikes taking place across New York state on the first day of the year.
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