First Day Hikes in the Capital Region
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is encouraging residents to get outdoors and celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike. These hikes are happening across the Capital Region on January 1, 2025.
Governor’s Announcement
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that parking fees at all state parks will be waived to increase access to outdoor activities.
First Day Hikes in the Capital Region
The following hikes are available in the Capital Region:
- Five Rivers Environmental Education Center:
- Adventure NY Hikes: Two hikes are offered, a morning hike at 10:30 a.m. and an afternoon hike starting at 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. Trails are open from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for visitors to explore on their own or join a program. Call Five Rivers Environmental Education Center at (518) 475-0291 or email 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov by Monday, December 30 to register.
- Hike with the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club: Hike starts at 9 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. Walk 1-2 miles with local bird experts to a bird count.
- North-South Lake and the Kaaterskill Wild Forest:
- Hike with Camp Catskill: Hike will start at 11 a.m. and should end around 2 p.m. Meet at the Scutt Road Trailhead Parking Lot in Haines Falls. The 2-mile hike has a 20 people limit. Contact Ryan Perry at info@campcatskill.co or call (518) 303-6050 by Dec. 30 to register.
- Cat Mountain:
- Hike with the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club: Hike starts at 9:30 a.m. and should end around noon. Meet at the Edge Comb Pond Trailhead. The 4-mile hike may require micro-spikes or snowshoes. Registration will be open until the night before the hike. To register, contact Steve Mackey at smackey33@verizon.net or call (518) 338-8173.
- Northwest Bay Trail:
- Hike: Hike starts at 8 a.m. and should end between noon and 1 p.m. Meet at the Clay Meadow Trailhead. The 5-mile hike will require snowshoes and micro spikes if there’s snow and ice on the ground. Registration ends on Dec. 31. To register, email James White at james.white2@dec.ny.gov.
- Moreau Lake State Park:
- Hike: Hike begins at 10 a.m. and should end at noon. Meet at the Park Office. Hikers will be able to choose between a short loop or a longer hike, ending at the Warming Hut for hikers to enjoy hot chocolate and treats. Registration is not required.
- Saratoga Spa State Park:
- Hike: Hike begins at 10 a.m. until noon. Meet at Creekside Classroom on Geyser Loop Road. The 1.5-mile hike will introduce participants to the park’s unique features. Hot Cocoa will be provided at the end of the hike. To register, email Allison.Schweizer@parks.ny.gov.
- Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site:
- Hike: Hike begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Meet at the Schoharie Site Visitor Center. The 5.25-mile hike will take participants to the east end of the site on the tow paths. To register, call (518) 829-7516.
- Peebles Island State Park:
- Hike: Hike begins at 1 p.m. and ends around 3 p.m. Meet at the Visitors Center. The hike is 2-miles but shorter ones may be available based on interest. The hike will discuss the Native American presence on the Island and its significance during the Revolutionary War. Hikes for those who just want to walk around are available too. Registration is not required.
- Olana State Historic Site:
- Hike: The hike begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Meet at the Wagon House Education Center. The 1-mile hike will bring you along the grounds and historic farm complex, exploring Olana’s 250-acres. Hot beverages and sketching materials will be provided at the Education Center also. Registration is required by calling (518) 751-6938 or emailing education@olana.org.
- Grafton Lakes State Park:
- Hike: Hike begins at noon and ends around 3 p.m. Meet at the Grafton Lakes Welcome Center. The 1-mile walk is on an accessible trail for everyone, including leashed pets. To register, call (518) 279-1155.
- Thacher State Park:
- Hike: Hike begins at 10 a.m. and ends at noon. Meet at the Hop Field Warming Hut. The 1.6-mile hike will take participants along waterfalls and forests. This is ideal for those who want a quieter, more physical route. To register, call (518) 872-0800.
- Hike: Hike begins at 10 a.m. and ends at noon. Meet at the Thacher Park Visitor Center. The 1-mile hike will take participants atop the Helderberg Escarpment trail. This is ideal for families and for those who would like a less physical route. To register, call (518) 872-0800.
Make sure to dress for the weather if you are attending any of these events. For more information on First Day Hikes, visit the DEC and the state Park’s websites.
Conclusion
Get ready to start the new year with a hike! The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging residents to get outdoors and celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike. These hikes are happening across the Capital Region on January 1, 2025. Make sure to dress for the weather and check the DEC and state Park’s websites for more information.
FAQs
Q: What is the First Day Hike event?
A: The First Day Hike event is a promotion by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to encourage residents to get outdoors and celebrate the New Year with a hike.
Q: What are the participating parks and locations?
A: The participating parks and locations are listed above, including Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, North-South Lake and the Kaaterskill Wild Forest, Cat Mountain, Northwest Bay Trail, Moreau Lake State Park, Saratoga Spa State Park, Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Peebles Island State Park, Olana State Historic Site, and Grafton Lakes State Park.
Q: How do I register for the hikes?
A: Registration details are listed above for each hike. Some hikes require registration, while others do not. Please check the DEC and state Park’s websites for more information.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Make sure to dress for the weather, as some hikes may be in cold or snowy conditions. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring any necessary gear, such as snowshoes or micro-spikes.
