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Hochul waives parking fees at all state parks on Jan. 1 to increase access to outdoors; admission fees to state park grounds always free
√ ‘First Day’ hiking events at nearly 100 state parks, historic sites, DEC natural areas and environmental education centers, canal trails, and other public lands on New Year's Day
√ For more information or to register for events, visit State Parks, DEC, canals
Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul encourages New Yorkers to spend time outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the new year at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, environmental education centers, canal trails, and public lands across the Empire State on Jan. 1, 2025. The 14th annual “First Day Hikes” program is offering varied hike options for people at nearly 100 locations across the state to enjoy. Hochul waived parking fees at all state parks to increase access to these events on New Year’s Day. Admission to state park grounds is always free.
“There's no better way to kick off the New Year than with family and friends at a ‘First Day Hike’ to experience and enjoy the winter beauty of New York’s amazing scenic landscapes,” Hochul said. “This year, I’m waiving parking fees at every state park and historic site to encourage all New Yorkers to join in on this fantastic tradition.”
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 14th annual “First Day Hikes” program.
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, " ‘First Day Hikes’ are a family-friendly tradition that offer a great way to embrace the outdoors this winter season and allow us to take a break and understand the importance of the connection nature and outdoor recreation has to our physical and mental wellness. On New Year’s Day, I encourage you to connect with your community and visit a familiar or new destination to create new memories, treat your wellness, and experience our state's natural treasures year-round.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “DEC is proud to continue the tradition of hosting hikes with our partners at State Parks for the popular ‘First Day Hike’ program. For 14 years, we’ve successfully encouraged New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to find ideal outdoor places to visit with family and friends on New Year's Day. DEC’s environmental education centers, state forests, wildlife management areas, and fire towers offer some of the best views and opportunities to experience scenic wonders across the state – the perfect places to celebrate the start of a new year.”
New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian Stratton said, " ‘First Day Hikes’ are a favorite New Year’s Day tradition, and we look forward to starting 2025 with an extra burst of energy as we begin the Erie Canal’s bicentennial year. I’d like to encourage you to check out our On the Canals programming for New Year’s Day for all of the ways you can experience the beauty of our 420-plus miles of the Canalway Trail network this winter season.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "New York has countless awe-inspiring settings for enjoying nature and the great outdoors, making a ‘First Day Hike’ the perfect opportunity to start the new year. I LOVE NY encourages residents and visitors alike to extend day trips into getaways with an overnight stay at a cozy hotel, inn or lodge, paired with shopping, dining, history and arts experiences. With so many ways to pair renewal and rejuvenation with personal enrichment, it's so easy to love New York."
Most walks and hikes are family-friendly, and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. More than 120 individual hikes are being offered at state parks, historic sites, canal trails, and DEC natural areas and environmental education centers.
Noteworthy for 2025 is a historic landscape and winter wildlife hike along Lake Champlain at Crown Point State Historic Site; a scenic hike up the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain State Park; a hike along the old tow paths of the Erie Canal at Schoharie Crossing; and a hike along the Lake Erie shoreline at Evangola State Park. The Catskill Mountain Club will be leading a hike up the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower qualifying for DEC’s annual Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. There will also be a hike up Mt. Van Hoevenberg from the Olympic Complex along one of the newer trails in the High Peaks region.
Starting in Massachusetts in 1992, “First Day Hikes” are now a national event taking place in all 50 states. While the following locations are offering organized activities, most of New York’s public lands are accessible on this day and throughout the winter season.
Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.
‘First Day Hikes’ in Western New York
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
