The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 7, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting two First Day Hike events on Thursday, January 1, 2026. First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers to “Get Offline, Get Outside” this holiday season, by celebrating the New Year at State parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers, and various other public lands across the Empire State. The 15th annual First Day Hikes program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at more than 115 locations throughout the state.   

DEC, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host these many walks and hikes taking place on New Year’s Day. A full list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for DEC, Parks, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.  

In Central New York, DEC Region 7 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:  

Chenango County:  

Bowman Lake State Park and McDonough State Forest: Kopac Trail – Hike with the Bullthistle Hiking Club, DEC, and State Parks  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: 745 Bliven Sherman Road, Oxford, NY 13830. We will meet at the Nature Center cabin at Bowman Lake State Park, where we will organize the hiking groups. (GPS Coordinates: 42.516937, -75.678408) Google Maps  

Description: Join DEC, State Parks, and the Bullthistle Hiking Club on New Year's Day for a First Day Hike. The Kopac Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back hike that travels along Bowman Lake to Kopac Pond and Whaley Pond and is located on relatively level ground in the forested public lands of Bowman Lake State Park and McDonough State Forest. The trail traverses through mature timberlands featuring towering white pines; wetlands with active beaver sites; streams; lakes; ponds; past cultural sites, such as century-old stone walls; and across other recreational trails, such as the Finger Lakes Trail. Shorter hike options are available at this location.  

Staff from State Parks and DEC, as well as members of the Bullthistle Hiking Club will be available to lead the hikes, navigate the woods, and discuss points of interest. Registration is not required.  

Difficulty Level: The terrain is gentle to moderate, with some stream crossings. There are routes available for the beginning hiker and longer hikes available for more experienced hikers. Hike distances will range between 2-7 miles, depending on the selected route.  

Special Instructions: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Snowshoes or microspikes may be needed for frozen conditions. Hikes may be shortened in the event of severe or inclement weather. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Nathan Funk (DEC) nathan.funk@dec.ny.gov; (607) 251-3477 or Rita Dunlap (State Parks) rita.dunlap@parks.ny.gov; (607) 334-2718  

DEC’s Rogers Environmental Education Center – Hike with the Friends of Rogers and the Bullthistle Hiking Club  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.  

Meet Up Location: Rogers Visitor Center, 2721 State Highway 80, Sherburne, NY 13460 (GPS Coordinates: 42.682731, -75.513782) Google Maps. We will meet in the main parking lot at the Rogers Center, adjacent to State Route 80.  

Description: Celebrate the 15th year of First Day Hikes with a guided walk at Rogers Environmental Education Center, led by the Friends of Rogers and the Bullthistle Hiking Club. Choose between a gentle 1.4-mile loop along Channels Marsh and the Chenango River, or a more challenging 1.1-mile route to the Farm Tower for scenic views of the valley in winter. Registration is not required.  

Difficulty Level: Hike 1: An easy, 1.4-mile loop of flat terrain with some tree roots and one mild incline.  

Hike 2: A moderate, 1.1-mile loop that includes a moderately steep uphill to the Farm Tower. 

There are Leopold benches where hikers can sit and rest along both trails.  

Special Instructions: Please wear layers and dress for the weather. All ages welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike.