NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
First Day Hikes Are Just Around the Corner
Looking forward to a fresh start in the new year? Why not plan for something fun on New Year’s Day and help us celebrate the kickoff to the new year!
Celebrate the New Year in the outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of the many events across the state and nation.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Canal Corporation invite New Yorkers to kick off 2026 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.
See our list of local hikes here:
Schunnemunk State Park. No registration required. 9am.
Minnewaska State Park. Pre-registration required. 9:30am.
Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain Inn. Registration not required. 10am.
First Day Hike with the “Dogs of Olana”, Olana State Historic Site. Dogs on leash are welcome. FREE, registration required. Call (518) 751-6938 to register. 10am.
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Little Stony Point Volunteer Center, Cold Spring. 2 hikes at this location. Registration not required. 11am.
You can also check out HVP's calendar listings here.
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