Welcome the New Year With a First Day Hike in the Adirondacks
Guided winter adventures for hikers of all levels on New Year’s Day.
Start 2025 with a spectacular hike in the Adirondacks. Photo courtesy ROOST.
Are you looking forward to a fresh start in 2025? Consider joining an exhilarating hike on New Year's Day in the Adirondacks!
Celebrate the New Year outdoors by participating in a First Day Hike at one of the numerous events taking place throughout Adirondack Park, New York State and the nation.
The Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), and the Canal Corporation invite all New Yorkers to kick off 2025 by taking part in one of the many hikes offered at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands throughout the Empire State.
First Day hikes all across the Adirondacks
The 14th annual event includes a variety of staff, partner and volunteer-led hikes, ranging from mountain climbs, cross-country skis, leisurely strolls along birding trails, and much more. Some locations offer multiple hike options, allowing people the time and space to enjoy nature’s winter wonders.
Hikes are planned at DEC State lands, state parks and historic sites, wildlife areas, Forest Preserve trails, canal trails and towpaths, and environmental education centers. All DEC walks and hikes are free, and most are family-friendly. They typically range from one to five miles, depending on location and conditions.
Many New Yorkers thrive in winter and are eager for falling temperatures and consistent snowfalls. To these hardy adventurers, a few extra layers of gear combined with the snowy terrain of parklands is a winning recipe for fitness, togetherness, and outdoor fun. If you've never been on a First Day Hike, save the date and get out there!
Hikes in the Lake George area.
Cat Mountain – Bolton Landing
Hike up Cat Mountain with the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. The total round-trip distance of this moderate hike is 4.1 miles, with approximately 1,000 feet of vertical gain. The summit of Cat Mountain has excellent views of Lake George, with Buck Mountain almost directly to the East.
Although this moderately challenging hike does not have a minimum age, it is probably inappropriate for a child’s first hike.
Registration is required. Contact Steve Mackey at smackey33@verizon.net or (518) 338-8173. Registration is okay until the night before, but the hike may be full. If necessary, organizers will keep a waitlist.
9:30 am to 12 pm
Cat and Thomas Mountain, Lake George
Jabe Pond Trail — Hague
Enjoy a moderate 2-mile round-trip hike walking in a winter wonderland to Jabe Pond, a beautiful remote pond in the Lake George region.
The hike has a moderate difficulty level. Woods surround the trail and is moderately flat to provide rest breaks if needed. Snowshoes and/or crampons are recommended for footwear.
Registration required. Call Heather Engwer at (518) 623-1200 by Friday, December 27.
10:30 am to 1 pm. Please arrive at 10 am.
Northwest Bay Trail - Lake George
Want to see what 100 mph winds can do to 100 ft tall trees? Come along for a 5-mile winter walk of Lake George’s Northwest Bay.
Hike through hardwood and hemlock forests while exploring wetlands and pristine shorelines on our way out to see incredible storm damage from this past July.
Difficulty Level: Moderate difficulty, with ~500 ft elevation gain. This trail is well maintained, but there are plenty of roots and rocks, making for uneven terrain. It will likely be icy, and microspikes are recommended even if there is no snow on the ground.
Please note that if there is deep snow, snowshoes will be required. Snowshoeing is much more strenuous than regular hiking. Breaks will be taken as needed to rest and hopefully observe wildlife.
Registration is required: Email James White at james.white2@dec.ny.gov by Tuesday, December 31.
The hike starts at 8 am. The end time is between 12 pm and 1 pm.
Hikes in the Lake Champlain region.
Lost Pond — Ticonderoga
Feel found at Lost Pond on a 3.7-mile backcountry hike, where you will get a wide variety of old-growth Conifers, broad-leaved (deciduous) trees, an abundance of songbirds, and a possible viewing of bald eagles.
The 46ers and DEC trail crews assembled new bridges. The hike ends with a view of beautiful Lost Pond.
The route is generally considered moderately challenging, and it takes an average of 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete.
Registration is not required.
10:30 to 12:30. Please arrive at 10 am.
Silver Lake Mountain — Black Brook, NY
Snowshoes may be required for winter hiking. Check the weather before you head out.
Embark on a short but rewarding hike to Silver Lake Mountain in the northern Adirondacks.
This hike is just under a mile each way and offers incredible views, including Whiteface Mountain and the Wilmington Range. It is 1.8 miles round trip.
Difficulty Level: Short, some steeper sections, varied terrain.
Dress warmly; a breeze is typical on the summit. Participants must be at least 6 years old to go on this hike.
Registration Required: Email Liam Foran at adkliam24@gmail.com by Tuesday, December 31st.
The hike starts at 1:15 pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early. This hike will take about 1.5 hours to complete.
Hikes in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake region.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg via the Mount Van Hoevenberg East Trail — Lake Placid
Join the NYS DEC for a hike up Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail. Starting at the Olympic Sporting Complex, passing through the 1980 Bobsled Track and up the slopes of Mt. Van Hoevenberg, hikers will experience one of the newest trails in the High Peaks Wilderness. It was opened to the public in October 2018 and is a model for sustainable trail design.
At the ledges, you will be treated (with clear skies) to an almost 180-degree view of the tallest mountains in New York State. Mounts Marcy, Algonquin, and many others tower over South Meadow Brook. This hike is about 4 miles round trip.
Difficulty Level: All Trails rates it a moderately challenging to more difficult trail. The average grade is 10%, and there are some stone staircases and steps to hike. If there is low snow, traction devices (such as microspikes) will be appreciated for your confidence and safety. Snowshoes will be required if there is more than 8" of snow.
Registration is required. Please contact Tate Connor at tate.connor@dec.ny.gov or (518) 897-1283 by Friday, December 27th.
Arrive between 8:30 am – 9 am. The hike will start at 9 am and take 2-3 hours to complete.
Heron Marsh Trail — Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center
Winter trail at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center. Photo courtesy DEC
Enjoy a 3-mile hike around Heron Marsh, where there will be plenty of spots to stop, take in the view, and look for wildlife.
This hike is hosted in partnership with Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center.
Snowshoes will be required to be worn if the snow is deep enough. The Visitor Interpretive Center will provide free snowshoe rentals for this event if participants don't have their own. Snowshoeing is more strenuous than regular hiking.
Difficulty Level: Moderate. The trail is fairly flat, with some hills.
Organizers ask hikers to arrive at 8:30 am. This hike starts at 9 am and will take about two hours.
Hikes in the Central Adirondacks
Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower — Newcomb
Hiking in winter on Goodnow Mountain. Photo courtesy DEC.
Hike with the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Adirondack Interpretive Center.
This 4-mile round-trip hike is moderately difficult in winter but is family—and dog-friendly—as long as the dogs are on leashes (the dogs, not the family).
Organizers strongly recommend that hikers bring snowshoes or microspikes for this adventure, but if you don’t have them, they can provide some with advance notice.
Preregistration is not required but is very appreciated. Register online or contact Stephanie Hample at shample@esf.edu or (518) 582-2000 by Monday, December 30th.
Remember, it will be winter, and it will be cold. Dress appropriately (no cotton) for the weather.
Difficulty Level: Moderately difficult.
Plan to arrive by 9 am with a 9:30 am departure time.
Observe winter hiking essentials in the Adirondacks
Hiking the Adirondacks in winter offers breathtaking beauty, but the season demands extra precautions to stay safe. The cold, snow, and unpredictable weather can turn a short hike into a survival situation.
Dress in Layers: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture.
Pack Proper Gear: Include a map, compass, GPS, a first-aid kit, two headlamps and an emergency blanket. Snowshoes or crampons are vital for navigating snowy or icy trails.
Check Weather and Daylight: Winter days are short, and sudden weather changes are common. Start early and plan for extra time.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Bring insulated water bottles and high-calorie snacks.
Know Your Limits: Stick to trails within your skill level and let someone know your plan.
By preparing carefully, you can enjoy the Adirondacks’ winter splendor while staying safe.
Visit the NYS DEC website for more tips for hiking smart in the Adirondacks.
For complete information about First Day Hikes, visit the event webpage on the DEC website.
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In this ADK Talks podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Jeff Berry and Elena Lumby, two dedicated members of Search and Rescue in the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK). Hear their advice for winter hiking essentials.
