Where to take a First Day hike in the Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- 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.

The 14th annual event features staff-led and self-guided hikes. Governor Kathy Hochul announced parking fees at all state parks will be waived to increase access to outdoor activities.

First Day Hikes 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 of 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
• Five Rivers Environmental Education Center: 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 starts at 8 a.m. and should end between noon and 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Clay Meadow Trailhead
  • The five-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 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 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 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 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
  • 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 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 beings 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.
• Thacher State Park
  • 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.