The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail (FCVT) and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation reported record attendance at the 10th Annual First Day Hike on January 1st. More than 60 people attended the 1.5-mile, family-friendly hike to encourage a commitment to physical fitness in the coming year. Similar events were held across New York State.
FCVT Secretary Elizabeth Watson said, “This was the largest turnout we’ve had at a First Day Hike. The great weather really helped encourage attendance. One participant was even wearing shorts.”
The First Day Hike started at the Fairgrounds Lane entrance to the Catharine Valley Trail in Watkins Glen and extended to State Route 14 in Montour Falls, where participants turned around and then returned to the start. The route ran adjacent to the Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area, where a wintering pair of bald eagles were observed easily by participants.
The Catharine Valley Trail is a year-round, multi-use trail stretching 17 miles from Seneca Lake to Horseheads and connects Watkins Glen and Mark Twain State Parks.