The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 8, along with partner organizations, is inviting the public to celebrate the New Year outdoors with four First Day Hike events on Thursday. The 15th annual First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers, and other public lands throughout the state.
DEC, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation are coordinating the hikes. More than 115 locations statewide will offer varied hike options for all experience levels. Full details, including locations, formats, and registration requirements, are available online at the DEC, Parks, and Canal websites.
In the Finger Lakes, the following hikes will be hosted:
Ontario County – Hemlock-Canadice State Forest
- Date/Time: January 1, 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Hike starts at 2 p.m.)
- Location: Purcell Hill Road DEC parking lot, Town of Canadice (GPS: 42.744292, -77.573654)
- Description: Start the year with a 4-mile easy hike along Canadice Lake with Springwater Trails. A more challenging option, Rob’s Trail, leads over the ridge to Hemlock Lake. Hiking or cycling options are available depending on conditions.
- Difficulty: Easy (Canadice Lake trail), Moderate/Difficult (Rob’s Trail)
- Special Instructions: Dress for weather, bring water and snacks, walking poles optional. Pets allowed on leash.
- Contact: John Larysz, (585) 374-8366
Wayne County – Montezuma Audubon Center
- Date/Time: January 1, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah (GPS: 43.092155, -76.764944)
- Description: Enjoy a 1.5-mile birding hike through forests, grasslands, and marshes. Binoculars provided.
- Difficulty: Easy, with one moderately strenuous slope that may be avoided if icy.
- Special Instructions: Dress for the elements, sturdy waterproof footwear recommended. Family-friendly; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets allowed on leash.
- Registration: Required by December 30 at Montezuma Audubon Center
- Contact: [email protected], (315) 365-3588
Yates County – Italy Hill State Forest
- Date/Time: January 1, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Pulver Road Parking Lot, south end of forest (GPS: 42.632402, -77.248528)
- Description: Hike 5.5 miles to the Outback Inn Lean-to with a shorter 2.5-mile option available.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Special Instructions: Prepare for icy or snowy trails. Pets allowed on leash.
- Contact: John Schmitt, [email protected], (585) 358-6301
Schuyler County – Sugar Hill State Forest
- Date/Time: January 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: Sugar Hill Recreation Area Parking Lot, Tower Hill Road (GPS: 42.390522, -77.003308)
- Description: Enjoy a 6.5-mile loop hike with views of Sugar Hill Fire Tower, twin lean-tos, and DEC recreation areas.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Special Instructions: Dress for the weather; bring traction devices like microspikes or snowshoes if needed. Pets allowed on leash.
- Contact: Erin Potter, [email protected], (607) 372-1646
All hikes are open to the public and welcome participants of all ages. Registration requirements vary by location. Participants are encouraged to check their preferred hike’s details and register where required.
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