Celebrate the new year in the outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of the many events across the state and nation. DEC, State Parks, and the Canal Corporation invite New Yorkers to kick off 2023 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2023. DEC Region 6 staff will lead free family-friendly hikes in St. Lawrence and Lewis counties that will help connect with nature on the first day of the New Year.

“Getting outdoors and connecting with nature is the perfect way to start the New Year,” said Randall Young, DEC Region 6 Director. “First Day hikes across the state and in the region bring together outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, creating opportunities to create lasting memories in the process.”

DEC Region 5 staff and partners will lead five hikes in the Adirondacks for New Yorkers to connect with nature and enjoy safe, responsible recreation on the first day of the New Year. The family-friendly walks and hikes range from 1.5 to 5.5 miles round trip.

Hikers should come prepared with warm layered clothing, extra layers, water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and insulated, waterproof footwear. Depending on conditions, snowshoes and other traction devices may also be necessary. Participants should contact their trip leader or host for more information on required gear. For more information about winter hiking, go to DEC’s website.

DEC Guided Hike Up Prospect Mountain

When: January 1, 2023, 9:00 am

Details: Hike 1.5-miles and climb 1,630 feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view. Parking at the trailhead is limited. If parking along Smith Street is full, find parking along nearby roads and walk to the trailhead. Dogs must be leashed. Please note that the pedestrian bridge over the Northway is metal grating and may be rough on dogs’ feet. The trail typically has snow and ice at steep angles. Hikers must bring appropriate footwear and traction devices such as microspikes or snowshoes with crampons. Wear and bring warm winter clothing and layers as well as water and food. Cameras are recommended.

Prospect Mountain: Trailhead on Smith Street, Village of Lake George (43.4254°N, 73.7197°W)
Registration Required: Registration is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register, contact Ben Thomas at benjamin.thomas@dec.ny.gov (reference ‘First Day Hike’ in the subject line) or call (518) 623-1268.

Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Guided Hike up Moxham Mountain

When: January 1, 2023, 9:00 am

Details: This 5.5-mile round-trip hike gains approximately 1,500 feet of elevation and is considered moderately easy. The mountain offers great views from its rocky summit, as well as many along the way. Extra layers are strongly recommended so the group can stay on the summit for a snack or lunch. Participants should bring microspikes and snowshoes or contact the trip leader about borrowing gear. The group will meet at the “park and ride” off of exit 21 on the Northway, at the corner of Routes 9 & 9N.
Registration Required: Group size is limited to 14 participants. For more information and to register, contact smackey33@verizon.net or call (518) 338-8173.

Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Guided Hike up Hadley Mountain

When: January 1, 2023, 9:45 am

Details: This will be an easy to moderate-paced hike covering 3.5 miles round trip. Beginners are welcome. Snowshoes should be worn if conditions warrant it. Interested participants that do not have snowshoes should inquire with the trip leader as to the availability of extra snowshoes to borrow. The hike will begin from Tower Road in Hadley.

Registration Required: Group size is limited to 13 participants. For more information and to register, contact Megan at megan@adk.org.

Paul Smith’s Visitor’s Interpretive Center (VIC) Guided Hike on Heron Marsh Trail

When: January 1, 2023, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Details: Start the New Year with a spin around Heron Marsh (an almost 3-mile loop). You may catch glimpses of otters at play, birds checking back for the stash of seeds they carefully left behind last summer and/or tracks from other critters who have been out and about. This event is free and snowshoes are required. Call in advance if you need to rent a pair.

Paul Smith VIC: 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970.
Registration Required: Registration is limited to 20 participants. Visit Paul Smith’s website to register.

SUNY ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center Guided Hike to the Farm Complex at the Camp Santanoni Historic Area

When: January 1, 2023, 9:00am

Details: Enjoy a First Day Hike or snowshoe from the SUNY ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb to the Farm Complex at the Camp Santanoni Historic Area and learn about natural and cultural history along the way. Please arrive at the AIC between 9:00 and 9:30 am there will be coffee available. The hike is approximately five miles round trip. No pets allowed.

SUNY ESF AIC: 5922 NY-28N, Newcomb, NY 12852.
Registration Required: Registration is available for up to 50 participants. Email aic@esf.edu to register.

St. Lawrence County Hike

Where: Southville State Forest, Trailhead by the gate on West Stockholm-Southville Road (44.689477, -74.875001)

When: Jan. 1, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Details: Participants should plan to use snowshoes or cross-country skis for this event. If th

DEC Region 5 staff and partners will lead five hikes in the Adirondacks for New Yorkers to connect with nature and enjoy safe, responsible recreation on the first day of the New Year. The family-friendly walks and hikes range from 1.5 to 5.5 miles round trip.

Hikers should come prepared with warm layered clothing, extra layers, water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and insulated, waterproof footwear. Depending on conditions, snowshoes and other traction devices may also be necessary. Participants should contact their trip leader or host for more information on required gear.

ere is no snow, the group will hike the 2.5-mile route. The hike will take place on a combination of haul road and recreation trails through pine plantations and natural Northern hardwood and hemlock forests of Southville State Forest. Much of the trail follows the St. Regis River, providing nice views. Hot chocolate will be provided at the trailhead. For questions or to RSVP, please contact the Potsdam sub-office at 315-265-3090 or henry.dedrick@dec.ny.gov.

Lewis County Hike

Where: Carpenter Road Trails, Main Carpenter Road Ski Parking Area, Lesser Wilderness State Forest (43.662826, -75.461693)

When: January 1, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Details: Participants should plan to use snowshoes or cross-country skis for this almost three and half mile trail event. If there is no snow, the group will hike the trails. The trails traverse through a mixture of spruce and larch plantations and natural woods. This will be a moderate level hike. There are additional trails available on the Lesser Wilderness State Forest for those who may be interested in extending the length of the trip. For questions or to RSVP please contact the Lowville DEC sub-office, (315)-376-3521 or michael.giocondo@dec.ny.gov.

A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements, and additional information can be found online for Parks, DEC, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and pre-register where required.

Photo at top: DEC photo.