The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 8, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting First Day Hike events at Hemlock-Canadice State Forest and the Montezuma Audubon Center on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. First Day Hikes encourages New Yorkers to welcome in the New Year outdoors, by participating in one of the many guided hike opportunities offered across the state.
DEC, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host these hikes as part of the 14th Annual First Day Hikes program. More than 120 hikes are being offered at State parks, historic sites, canal trails, and DEC natural areas and environmental education centers in celebration of the day.
A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for DEC, Parks, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.
DEC Region 8 and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:
Livingston and Ontario Counties:
Hemlock-Canadice State Forest – Hike with Springwater Trails
Date: Jan. 1, 2025
Time: 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Meet Up Location: Purcell Hill Road DEC parking lot, Town of Canadice, Ontario County
Description: Join Springwater Trails for a hike along Canadice Lake. This is an easy, 1.8-mile each-way hike (~4 miles total) along the shore of the lake; the trail is level and well-maintained and the lake views are lovely. For most hikers it will be a walk along the lake for an hour or so, and then back the same way; more enthusiastic hikers can veer off on Rob’s Trail that leads over the ridge and down to Hemlock Lake – this is a moderate to hard trail with several steep uphill and downhill sections. Registration not required.
Difficulty Level: Easy. Level and well-maintained trail.
Special Instructions: Dress appropriately for the weather, bring water, food if needed for energy, and a walking pole if it helps. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Point of Contact for Inquiries: John Larysz [email protected] (585) 374-8366
Wayne County:
Montezuma Audubon Center
Date: Jan. 1, 2025
Time: Please arrive at 10:30 a.m. This hike starts at 11 a.m. and will end around 12:30 p.m.
Meet Up Location: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146
Description: Join DEC for a 1.5-hour (1.5 miles in length) hike through forests, grasslands, and marshes and enjoy the winter landscape in the search for wintering birds. Binoculars will be available for everyone. This hike will be led by the Montezuma Audubon Center.
Difficulty Level: Relatively easy with a downhill at the beginning and uphill at the end. The ground is a little uneven as most of the trail is on grass. If snow has fallen, it may be wet and slippery as well.
Special Instructions: Please dress for the weather, in layers. Boots are highly recommended. If there are winter storms in the forecast, please contact [email protected] directly. All ages are welcome. Pets are not allowed on this hike.
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