The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 3, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting seven First Day Hike events on Thursday, January 1, 2026. First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers to “Get Offline, and 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 the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, DEC Region 3 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:  

Dutchess County:  

DEC’s Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center: Sierra Trail – Hike with the Stony Kill Foundation  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Stony Kill Farm Sierra Trailhead – The parking lot is located on Red Schoolhouse Road, Fishkill, NY 12524 (GPS Coordinates: 41.53765, -73.94681). Google Maps Overflow parking is available across Red Schoolhouse Road at the Muller Pond Trail Parking Lot.  

Description: Join the Stony Kill Foundation on an invigorating 2-mile hike through hardwood forest, evergreen forest, wetland, and open meadow habitats, where you are bound to see a remarkable array of plants and animals. The trail surface is mostly hard dirt with stretches of grass. Registration is required.  

The Stony Kill Foundation will be hosting this hike as part of programming at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center.  

Difficulty Level: Easy, with some rough terrain, but no inclines.  

Special Instructions: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and dress for the weather. There are no restroom facilities at this trail. If needed, please use the comfort station restroom located at Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, 12590, prior to the hike. If there is inclement weather, this hike will be cancelled and registered hikers will be notified via email. All ages welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike.  

Registration Required: Register online at Stony Kill Farm by Wednesday, December 31.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Debbie Muesser debbie@stonykill.org; (845) 831-3800   

Ulster County:  

Catskills Visitor Center: Interpretive Loop and Esopus Fire Tower  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Catskills Visitor Center, 5096 New York 28, Mount Tremper, NY 12457 (GPS Coordinates: 42.028128, -74.269806) Google Maps  

Description: Start the New Year with a refreshing 0.5-mile long Natural History Walk at the Catskills Visitor Center, where we will learn about the unique geology, wildlife management, and rich cultural heritage of the Catskill Park. Along the way, we will make a stop at the Esopus Fire Tower, which is part of DEC’s Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. For those looking to complete the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, this hike is a great place to start. Join us for this short, family-friendly outing and learn about the stories that shape one of New York’s most iconic landscapes. Registration is required. 

This hike is led by the Catskills Visitor Center.   

Difficulty Level: Easy, with spots to sit and rest along the way if needed.  

Special Instructions: Please dress in warm clothes. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Required: Contact Angela Cross at across@catskillcenter.org or call the Catskills Visitor Center at (845) 688-3369 to register by Tuesday, December 30  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Angela Cross across@catskillcenter.org; (845) 688-3369   

Balsam Mountain – Hike with the Catskill Mountain Club  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Rider Hollow Trailhead (GPS Coordinates: 42.102026, -74.516902) Google Maps For more detailed directions, check out the event description on the Catskill Mountain Club website.  

Description: Join the Catskill Mountain Club on this 5.2-mile loop trail to the 3,600-foot summit of Balsam Mountain. We will ascend via the Mine Hollow Trail and return via the Oliverea-Mapledale Trail. We will move at a brisk yet moderate pace (about 1.5 mph) with short breaks as needed and a lunch break at the top. Registration is required. For more information, check out the Catskill Mountain Club event page.  

Difficulty Level: Moderate/difficult, with about 1600 feet of elevation gain. Hikers should be experienced in ascending and descending in winter conditions.  

Special Instructions: Please bring a lunch and/or snacks, water, proper winter layers and outerwear, cold-weather footwear, gaiters, microspikes, snowshoes, and hiking poles (if desired). Severe weather or trail conditions will postpone or cancel the hike. Hikers must be at least 12 years old to participate in this hike. No pets are allowed on this hike.  

Registration Required: Email Peter Manning at Peter@catskillmountainclub.org by Tuesday, December 30. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Peter Manning Peter@catskillmountainclub.org   

Red Hill Fire Tower – Hike with the New York State Outdoor Guide Association  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Denning Road Parking Lot, 2205 Denning Rd, Claryville, NY 12725 (GPS Coordinates: 41.935139, -74.529389) Google Maps   

Description: Join New York State Outdoor Guide Association guide Michael O’Neill for a First Day Hike up Red Hill Mountain. This scenic trail leads to a historic fire tower with sweeping panoramic views. The route is approximately 3.5 miles round-trip, making it an excellent option for a half day adventure and suitable for a variety of experience levels. The hike begins on a gently rising forest path that winds through stands of maple, birch, and hemlock. Midway up the trail, the hike becomes slightly steeper and offers glimpses of the surrounding ridge lines through breaks in the trees. At the summit, you will find the historic Red Hill Fire Tower, along with a restored cabin once staffed by tower observers. Climb the fire tower steps, and the panorama expands dramatically for a full 360-degree view of the mountains. Registration is required.  

The Red Hill Fire Tower is part of DEC’s Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. For those looking to complete the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, this hike is a great start.  

Difficulty Level: Moderate. This is a well-defined trail, with areas along the route where hikers can rest if needed.  

Special Instructions: Hikers should be prepared for cold, and/or wet weather. Please wear appropriate footwear, warm clothing, and bring water. There are picnic tables at the summit, if you would like to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy at the top. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Required: Email Michael O’Neill at info@redhandag.com by Wednesday, December 31.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Michael O’Neill info@redhandag.com; (518) 810-8977   

Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain – Hike with the Catskill 3500 Club  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Giant Ledge Parking Area (GPS Coordinates: 42.026745, -74.403594) Google Maps  

Description: Join the Catskill 3500 Club on a challenging hike to some of the most breathtaking views in the Catskills. This hike will cover 6.9 miles and is recommended for experienced hikers. Please contact hike leader Sean Boyle (smbelectric72@yahoo.com) with any questions you may have. Registration is required.  

Difficulty Level: This is considered a strenuous and difficult hike geared towards experienced hikers. Winter equipment such as crampons and/or snowshoes will be required. The hike leader will be in contact with registered hikers to advise them on conditions and the difficulty level of this hike.  

Special Instructions: Snowshoes and/or traction such as crampons are required. No pets are allowed on this hike.  

Registration Required: Contact Sean Boyle at smbelectric72@yahoo.com by Monday, December 29  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Sean Boyle smbelectric72@yahoo.com   

Sullivan County:  

Neversink River Unique Area: Mullet Falls – Hike with the New York State Outdoor Guide Association and the Catskill Mountainkeeper  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Please arrive early due to parking constraints, and carpool if possible.  

Meet Up Location: Meet at the end of Katrina Falls Road (GPS Coordinates: 41.583636, -74.621733) Google Maps  

Description: Join New York State Outdoor Guide Association guide Audrey Costa and the Catskill Mountainkeeper for a refreshing 3.3-mile winter hike on the Blue Trail East, located at the end of Katrina Falls Road in the Neversink River Unique Area. We will make our way across peaceful creek crossings and follow the wooded trail up to Mullet Falls – a charming, short waterfall tucked into the quiet winter woods. 

Winter hiking brings its own kind of magic with crisp air, serene landscapes, and the chance to slow down and reconnect with yourself in nature. Come experience the joy of moving mindfully through the colder months with community and intention. Registration is required.  

Difficulty Level: Beginner/intermediate (due to winter conditions), with 492 feet elevation gain and some rocky and uneven terrain. We will hike at a leisurely pace to accommodate all levels.  

Special Instructions: Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring traction devices such as microspikes, and be prepared for winter conditions. This route includes some rocky sections, so supportive footwear is recommended. Please bring water and a snack. In case of inclement weather, this hike will be cancelled and registered hikers will be notified. Hikers must be at least 8 years old to participate in this hike. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Required: Register online at https://www.deeprootedwellnessnj.com/hikingevents by Monday, December 29.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Audrey Costa Audrey@deeprootedwellnessandcreatives.com; (908) 447-8725; www.deeprootedwellnessnj.com   

Willowemoc Wild Forest: Frick Pond Trail – Hike with Morgan Outdoors  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Frick Pond Trailhead, Beech Mountain Road, Willowemoc Wild Forest (GPS Coordinates: 41.950943, -74.707159) Google Maps  

Description: Celebrate the New Year with fresh air and friendly folks. This scenic 2.2-mile loop trail in the Willowemoc Wild Forest is both inviting for beginners and pleasing to more experienced hikers. Our pathway will take us through a hemlock grotto with views of Frick Pond, across a trail intersection named for Times Square, and along the edge of a woodland meadow. Registration is required.  

This hike will be led by Lisa Lyons from Morgan Outdoors.  

Difficulty Level: Relatively easy, with very little elevation change. If there is no snow on the ground, there can be many trip hazards. The hike leader will bring a comfy pad for sitting on a fallen tree or rock, for those who may need to sit and rest.  

Special Instructions: Please wear waterproof hiking boots, and layers that can easily be taken on or off. Depending on the trail conditions, consider bringing traction devices like microspikes or snowshoes. Microspike rentals are available in limited supply at Morgan Outdoors, 234 Main Street, Hurleyville, NY. We will have a special New Year’s toast after the hike. Hikers must be at least 18 years old to participate in this hike. No pets are allowed on this hike.  

Registration Required: Email Lisa Lyons at morganoutdoors@hancock.net by Tuesday, December 30. There is usually a waitlist for this event. If you need to cancel, please let Lisa know by Tuesday, December 30 so someone on the waitlist can join.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Lisa Lyons (845) 693-4181