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Free events at more than 115 state parks, historic sites, DEC natural areas & environmental education centers, canal trails, other public lands on New Year's Day
√ For more information or to register for events, visit State Parks, DEC and Canals websites
Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to start their year off with wellness at the forefront by participating in a “First Day Hike” for free.
New Yorkers will have an opportunity to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” this holiday season, by celebrating the New Year at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers and various other public lands across the Empire State on Jan. 1, 2026. The 15th annual “First Day Hike” program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at 117 locations across the state.
“Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors and put your mental and physical wellness first by joining our fellow New Yorkers for ‘First Day Hikes,’ ” Hochul said. “A fantastic and affordable tradition, this special event allows us to find comfort in the winter beauty of our public lands while also creating opportunities to connect with our communities, friends and families, distraction free.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Canal Corp. are partnering to host the many walks and hikes taking place throughout the state as part of the 15th annual program. To keep the event affordable for families in the holiday season, the normal parking fee at state parks and sites will be waived on Jan. 1.
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “ ‘First Day Hikes’ offer a welcome break from the holiday rush and a chance to reconnect with nature and one another. This annual event encourages you to refocus on your mental and physical well-being and start the new year on a healthy, positive note. Ring in 2026 by getting offline, getting outside, and exploring New York’s state parks and historic sites on Jan. 1.”
NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Participating in a ‘First Day Hike’ is a great and affordable way to get offline and get outside to experience winter recreation in New York state. Thanks to Gov. Hochul’s commitment to accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for all New Yorkers, DEC and State Parks are once again kicking off the new year with guided hike opportunities on public lands on Jan. 1. Connect with nature and join us at more than 110 events at state parks, environmental education centers, campgrounds, wildlife management areas across the state.”
New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian Stratton said, “We encourage everyone to join a ‘First Day Hike,’ and are thrilled that our partners at the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are organizing this wonderful event to start the new year once again. This year, we’re offering two exciting, inclusive experiences in Palmyra and Macedon – the heart of the Erie Canal. People of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to get outside, get moving, and start 2026 on the right foot."
The “First Day Hike” program advances Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which encourages New York kids and families to log off of their phones and put their mental and physical health first as they head outside to get fresh air, play sports, enjoy nature, and see everything else our state has to offer. “First Day Hikes” showcase the various winter recreation opportunities afforded to New Yorkers of all ages.
Most hikes are beginner and family-friendly, typically ranging from one to five miles depending on the location and trail conditions. This year, there are more than 125 individual hikes being offered at state parks, historic sites, DEC natural areas and environmental education centers, canal trails, and other public lands.
Hiking is one of the many ways children can participate in DEC’s “Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge” to help address the youth mental health crisis by encouraging teens to engage in interesting and exciting outdoor activities. For more information about the challenge, including suggested locations to help complete activities, upcoming events, resources and associated recommendations, visit the DEC’s Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge webpage.
Many “First Day Hikes” are led in partnership with “Friends” groups who are stewards on state lands, as well as other partners across the state. This year, DEC and State Parks are partnering with the New York State Outdoor Guides Association on the event, to offer even more hiking opportunities to the public with several “First Day Hikes” led by New York state-licensed guide professionals. NYSOGA represents guides from every part of New York and helps provide opportunities for the public to engage with the outdoors and try something new via fun and educational guided recreation experiences.
A list of all hikes, location details, format, preregistration requirements, and additional information can be found online for State Parks, DEC and Canals sites. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site in advance and register if required.
In Western New York, hikes will be held at:
For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
