The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 3, in collaboration with the Stony Kill Foundation and Catskill Mountain Club, is hosting First Day Hike events at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center and Tremper Mountain on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. First Day Hikes encourages New Yorkers to welcome in the New Year outdoors, by participating in one of the many guided hike opportunities offered across the state.

DEC, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host these hikes as part of the 14th Annual First Day Hikes program. More than 120 hikes are being offered at State parks, historic sites, canal trails, and DEC natural areas and environmental education centers in celebration of the day.

A 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. 

DEC Region 3 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public: 

Dutchess County:

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center: Verplanck Ridge Trail

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow for a prompt start time. 

Meet Up Location: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 – Hikers should meet at the north end of property and can park in the parking lot to the left of the large white Manor House. The trailhead is located directly between the kiosk on the far side of the parking lot. 

Description: Join Stony Kill Foundation's seasoned naturalist Margaret on an interpretive hike along the Verplanck Ridge trail. This 1.5-mile trail takes visitors up a moderate climb through mixed hardwood forest and open meadow. These ecosystems are some of the favorites of native wildlife, including the Eastern Bluebird and Red-Tailed Hawk. Learn from Margaret's natural expertise as you hike to ring in the new year. 

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

Difficulty Level: This trail is easy to moderate. The trail takes a moderate incline up to a wooded ridge and back down. No significant obstacles are present. This trail is hard dirt and mowed grass. There are a few benches/sit spots along the way. The hike will be interpretive, so stops will be made to discuss pertinent nature. 

Special Instructions: Please bring a water bottle and dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike. 

Registration Required: Register online at Stony Kill First Day Hike 2025 or contact Sinead Roche at sinead@stonykill.org or (845) 831-3800 by 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Sinead Roche sinead@stonykill.org (845) 831-3800  

Ulster County:

Tremper Mountain Fire Tower from the Willow Trailhead Parking Area

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Meet up Location: Willow Trailhead Parking Area: Directions – From State Route 28 turn onto State Route 212 at Mount Tremper (3.9 miles west of Phoenica; and 18 miles west of NYS Thruway Exit 19/ Kingston) and proceed 4.1 miles to Willow and then turn left onto Van Wagner Road. Go a short distance then turn left onto Jessop Road. Proceed just over one mile and the trailhead will be on your left. 

From Bearsville, take State Route 212 5.4 miles to Willow and turn right onto Van Wagner Road. Go a short distance then turn left onto Jessop Road. Proceed just over one mile and the trailhead will be on your left. 

GPS Coordinates of Trailhead: 42.07804, -74.24305 

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ng4TrjqWcXx4csDV6 

Description: Join the Catskill Mountain Club for its First Day Hike to Tremper Mountain. This is a 7.6-mile out-and-back route with an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet. Tremper features a fire tower at its summit. For those looking to complete DEC’s 2025 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge this will be a great start! 

Difficulty Level: Moderate/difficult. This will be a brisk-paced hike ~ 2+mph. Hikers should be experienced in ascending and descending in winter conditions for about four hours. While there is no age minimum for this hike, the group will stay together and generally adhere to the pace and time noted above. 

Special Instructions: Bring lunch/ snacks, water/ sports drink, proper winter clothing/ layers, sturdy winter hiking shoes, microspikes, snowshoes (to the trailhead at least), and hiking poles (optional). Lunch/break will be had at the fire tower. No pets are allowed on this hike. 

Registration Required: Email Peter Manning at Peter@catskillmountainclub.org by Monday, Dec. 30. 

Point of Contact for Inquires: Peter Manning, E: Peter@catskillmountainclub.org