Kick off the New Year with one of Region 5’s six First Day Hikes, taking place on Jan. 1. Start your year by connecting with nature and enjoying safe, responsible winter recreation in the Adirondacks. The walks and hikes are family-friendly and range from 1.5 to 5 miles round trip.

Come prepared with warm layered clothing, water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and insulated, waterproof footwear. Depending on conditions, snowshoes and other traction devices may also be necessary. Contact the trip leader or host for more information on required gear.

Advance registration is required for some hikes. Region 5 include:

• Guided Hike Up Prospect Mountain with DEC
• Guided Hike on Heron Marsh Trail at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)
• Self-Guided Hike Up Cheney Mountain
• Self-Guided Hike on Little Ausable Trail
• Guided Hike Up Goodnow Mountain with SUNY ESF
• Guided Hike up Thomas Mountain with Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

For more information and to register, visit DEC’s First Day Hikes webpage. Hikes may be canceled if snowfall or other weather events create hazardous travel or outdoor recreation conditions. Registered participants will be notified if a hike is canceled.

For a complete list of First Day Hikes statewide, view the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation press release.

Photo: View from Goodnow Mountain. Almanack file photo