Start the New Year by scaling new heights in the Adirondack Park.

Looking for a fresh start in 2024? Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike at one of many locations across the Adirondacks.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Canal Corporation invite you to kick off 2024 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.

An annual Adirondack rite for hikers of all abilities.

The 13th annual First Day Hikes event includes options ranging from self-guided treks to staff- or volunteer-led hikes, with some locations offering multiple options allowing people the time and space to enjoy nature’s winter wonders.

Most walks and hikes are family- and dog-friendly and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. Hikes are planned at state parks and historic sites, DEC State lands, wildlife areas, Forest Preserve trails, canal trails and towpaths, and environmental education centers.

Please check with the New York State DEC for more details (host locations are still being added), pre-registration requirements, and guidance on equipment and required attire.

Here is a preview of current hikes scheduled in the Adirondacks.

Cat Mountain Hike with the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

The meet-up location is Edge Comb Pond Trailhead on January 1 at 9:30 am.

The hike will ascend Cat Mountain via the Red Trail and take the Blue Trail down.
The total round-trip distance of this moderate hike is 4.1 miles, with approximately 1,000 feet of vertical gain. It should take around 2.5 hours to complete.
The summit of Cat Mountain has excellent views of Lake George, with Buck Mountain almost directly to the East.
Registration is required: Contact Steve Mackey from the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club at smackey33@verizon.net or (518) 338-8173.
Visit the NYS DEC website for more information.

Coney Mountain Hike with DEC Forest Ranger Allison Rooney

Meet at the Coney Mountain Trailhead location at 11 am on January 1, 2024.
The trailhead is on NY 30, about 10 miles South of the Rt 3/Rt 30 Junction in Tupper Lake, or just North of a snowplow turn around the Hamilton/Franklin County line. There is a wide paved shoulder on NY 30 near the marked trailhead.

The hike up Coney Mountain is a 2-mile roundtrip moderate out-and-back hike with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain and panoramic views of Long Lake and Tupper Lake.
Microspikes and snowshoes may be required depending on trail conditions.
Be sure to bring warm layers for the summit.
This hike has a minimum age of at least 12 years old. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Registration Required. Contact Allison Rooney at allison.rooney@dec.ny.gov or (315) 916-4038 by December 31st.

Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center: Ski Heron Marsh Trail

Meet up at Paul Smith’s VIC, 8023 State Route 30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, at 9 am.
Ski around the Heron Marsh on a 3-mile loop route.

The trail is fairly flat, with some moderate hills and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.

This event will be led by Matthew Adams from the Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Skis are available to rent at the meeting location.
Participants must be at least 10 years old. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Contact Matthew Adams at matthew.adams@dec.ny.gov by December 27th to register.

Prospect Mountain in Lake George

Meet at Prospect Mountain Trailhead on Smith Street, Village of Lake George (GPS coordinates: 43.4254°N, 73.7197°W) at 10 am
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike that climbs 1,630 feet from the trailhead to the 2,030-foot to the summit of the mountain.
With the right conditions, hikers will be able to enjoy a panoramic and 100-mile view which includes Lake George, Vermont's Green Mountains, New Hampshire's White Mountains, New York's Adirondack High Peaks and, on a very clear day, the Laurentian Mountains of Canada.

This is a moderate to difficult hike, depending on weather conditions.
There is no age limit, although this hike is not recommended for young children. Pets are allowed on leash. However, there is a considerably long pedestrian walkway over I-87 at the beginning of this hike. The metal grate walkway may be unpleasant for dog paws.
Registration Required: Contact Ben Thomas at benjamin.thomas@dec.ny.gov or (518) 623-1268 by December 28th.

Goodnow Mountain with SUNY College of ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center:

Meet Up location Goodnow Mountain Trailhead at 9:30 am.

Enjoy a First Day hike or snowshoe on this 4-mile round trip trail.
The trail ascends approximately 900 feet over 2 miles and features gorgeous views into the high peaks from a 60-foot Fire Tower on the summit.
This moderate hike will take approximately 3.5 hours to complete.
The hike will be led by Jacob O’Connell from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Adirondack Interpretive Center.
There is no age minimum for this hike. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Contact shample@esf.edu by December 22nd to register.

Questions, contact: joconnell@esf.edu, P: (518) 582-4551 ext. 113Southville State Forest - DEC

To learn more about New York State’s first hikes, visit the NYS DEC website. And we wish you a happy and healthy 2024.

Celebrate the First Day of 2024 With a Spectacular Adirondack Hike