DEC to Hold Annual 'First Day Hikes' in the Adirondacks

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged New Yorkers to participate in First Day Hikes in the Adirondacks on Jan. 1, 2023. DEC Region 5 staff and partners will lead five hikes for visitors 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.

"The diverse and mountainous terrain of the Adirondacks lends itself to a variety of excellent First Day Hikes," said Joe Zalewski, DEC Region 5 Director. "We are grateful to our partners at the Glens Falls Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Paul Smith's College Visitor's Interpretive Center, and the SUNY College of Environment Science and Forestry Adirondack Interpretive Center for joining us in leading hikes and providing exceptional outdoor experiences for this year's First Day hikers."

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. All Region 5 hikes are guided. For more information about winter hiking, go to DEC's website.

DEC Guided Hike Up Prospect Mountain

Jan. 1, 2023, 9 a.m.

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 [email protected] (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

Jan. 1, 2023, 9 a.m.

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 and 9N.

Registration Required: Group size is limited to 14 participants. For more information and to register, contact [email protected] or call (518) 338-8173.

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

Jan. 1, 2023, 9:45 a.m.

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 [email protected].

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

Jan. 1, 2023, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Details: Start the New Year with a spin around Heron Marsh (an almost three-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 (leaves DEC website).

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

Jan. 1, 2023, 9 a.m.

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 and 9:30 a.m. 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 available for up to 50 participants. Email [email protected] to register.

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

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