The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that it is cancelling "First Day" hikes in the Adirondacks due to inclement weather. The cancelled New Year’s celebration hikes are: Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain; Hadley Mountain; and Willie Wildlife Marsh. The first day hike to the summit of Stillwater Mountain, Herkimer County, has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan.15, 2018, at 10 a.m.  

For more information about the Stillwater hike, visit the DEC first day hikes web page: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112174.html, or email information.R6@dec.ny.gov.

Due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for the New Year’s holiday weekend, DEC encourages hikers planning to participate in first day hikes scheduled across New York State to visit the DEC first day hikes web page: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112174.html for updated information and to contact hike organizers directly.

In addition, DEC reminds hikers to come prepared for the conditions by bringing water and wearing warm layered clothing, sunglasses, proper footwear/headwear, and snowshoes if the snow depth is over a foot or so deep. Ski poles or something similar are also recommended to help with balance.

Each participant will receive a New York State Parks “First Day” string style knapsack, and sticker. In addition, there will be a drawing for an Empire State Pass. The Empire Pass allows free admission to all State Parks and DEC day use areas. Visit the DEC website for hiking information and safety tips: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html.

Visit the New York State Parks website for information about first day hikes in State Parks: https://parks.ny.gov/events/first-day-hikes.aspx.