The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 9, in collaboration with partner organizations, are hosting four First Day Hike events 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 9 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public: 

Erie County:

Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Meet Up Location: West parking lot on Genesee Road, Town of North Collins. (Coordinates: 42.552008, -78.853642) 

Description: Please join Wildlife Staff on a 2-mile hike at Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area, for opportunities to observe the ecology of winter mammals and birds amongst various habitat types. 

Difficulty Level: This hike will be mostly "off-trail", requiring hikers to weave through trees and over small logs. The terrain is mostly flat. 

Special Instructions: Hikers may want to bring binoculars and snacks/water. Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof shoes/boots. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

*This hike will occur during several open hunting seasons. It is possible we will be “Sharing the Woods” with hunters, so bright colored clothing (blaze orange or blaze pink) is encouraged. 

Registration Required: Contact Racheal Draegert at racheal.draegert@dec.ny.gov, (716) 379-6389 by Friday, Dec. 20. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Racheal Draegert, (716) 379-6389 

Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Meet Up Location: Reinstein Woods, 93 Honorine Dr., Depew, NY, 14043 – Meet at the pavilion. 

Description: Ring in New Year’s Day with an easy 1.0-mile hike at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center. A DEC Forest Ranger will lead the hike and discuss how to prepare for any outdoor adventure. Registration is required. 

Difficulty Level: Easy. 

Special Instructions: Staff will call to remind hikers a day or two before the event. Please notify staff as soon as possible to cancel so that others can join. All ages are welcome. No pets allowed on this hike. 

Registration Required: Call Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959 by Friday, Dec. 27. There is no online registration available for this event. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Reinstein Woods, info@reinsteinwoods.org, (716) 683-5959 

Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area: Ross Pond – Hike with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early. 

Meet Up Location: 3063 Vail Road, Gowanda, NY 14070 (Coordinates: 42.451078°N, 78.879255°W) 

Description: This two-mile route will follow the entrance on red trail, head up to Ross Pond itself, and then follow the longer part of the yellow trail to the red trail. Hikers will then follow the red trail over the ridge and back to Ross Pond and to the parking area. 

This hike is hosted in partnership with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. 

Difficulty Level: Fairly level, somewhat rolling terrain. Not a difficult hike. 

Special Instructions: Dress for weather. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike. 

Registration Required: Contact Corey Schimpf at corey.t.schimpf@gmail.com or (440) 983-0023 by Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Corey Schimpf corey.t.schimpf@gmail.com (440) 983-0023 

Allegany County:

West Almond Trail System at Phillips Creek State Forest – Hike with IMPACT

Date: Jan. 1, 2025 

Time: Please arrive at 10:30 a.m. This hike starts at 11 a.m. and will end around 12 - 1 p.m. 

Meet Up Location: State Route 244 Parking Area, Phillips Creek Trailhead 

Description: Celebrate the New Year with IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. and take a winter hike in Phillips Creek State Forest. Various trails start at the trailhead: a Beginner Trail (0.8 mi.), Trails 1 and 2 (1.5 mi.), and Trail 3 (2.0 mi.). Registration is not required for these hikes. 

Difficulty Level: Trails 1 and 2 are easy 1.5-mile loops. Trail 3 is a 2-mile loop trail with moderate elevation change. There is a bench halfway on Trail 3, for those who need to sit and rest. Beginner Trail is 0.8 miles, with no elevation change. 

Special Instructions: Dress for the weather. Updates on trail conditions or cancellation are on our website: impactfriendsgroup.org. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Glenn Gebhard impactfriendsgroup@gmail.com, (607) 382-9770.