DEC Contact: Regina Willis (518) 357-2075
Regina.Willis@dec.ny.gov

December 19, 2024

DEC REGION 4 PARTICIPATES IN ‘FIRST DAY HIKES’ WITH LOCAL HIKING OPPORTUNITIES

Hiking Events in Albany and Greene Counties to Ring in the New Year

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4, in collaboration with partner organizations, is 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 4 Environmental Educators and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:

Albany County:

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center: Adventure NY Hikes

Date: Jan. 1, 2025

Time: Two hikes will be offered this day: a morning hike at 10:30 a.m. and an afternoon hike at 1:30 p.m. Please arrive five minutes early.

Meet Up Location: Visitor Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054 – Gather at the benches in front of the Visitor Center.

Description: Start the year with some outdoor fun at the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center with two easy-paced guided walks for all ages. The morning walk will cover about three-quarters of a mile, while the afternoon walk will cover about one and a half miles. Our routes will take us over portions of the Old Field and North Loop trails.

**The trails will be open from sunrise to sunset and the visitor center will be open from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 1. Visitors are welcome to explore on their own or take part in one of the guided programs.

Difficulty Level: Easy. The trails have a few gentle inclines but are mostly level. Anticipate a relaxed pace. Depending upon the weather in the days prior to the walks, the trails may be wet or muddy. There are a few benches along the planned route for you to sit and rest if you need.

Special Instructions: Dress for the weather. In the event of severe weather, these programs will be canceled. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike.

Registration Required: Call Five Rivers Environmental Education Center at (518) 475-0291 or email 5Rivers@dec.ny.gov by Monday, Dec. 30.

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 5rivers@dec.ny.gov (518) 475-0291

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center – Hike with the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club

Date: Jan. 1, 2025

Time: Hike starts at 9 a.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Meet Up Location: Visitor Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054

Description: Community Science: NEW YEAR’S BIRD COUNT!
Join local bird experts from the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club for our 44th annual New Year’s Day Bird Count. The goal of the count is to identify all the bird species present on January 1st. This also marks the start of Five Rivers’ annual bird list. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a large area of fields and forests and is one of the premier birding locations in the Capital District. Participants will be divided into multiple trail parties to ensure we survey as much of the property as possible.

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate. Expect to walk 1-2 miles over 1.5-2 hours. Trails may be wet or muddy, depending upon the weather in the days prior to the program.

Special Instructions: Bring binoculars if you have them and dress warmly. If severe weather is forecasted, call on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to confirm the event will be held. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike.

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 5rivers@dec.ny.gov (518) 475-0291

Greene County:

Huckleberry Point Trail – Hike with the Catskills Visitor Center

Date: Jan. 1, 2025

Time: 1 p.m – 4:30 p.m. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Meet Up Location: Huckleberry Point Trailhead, 2425 Platte Clove Road, Elka Park, NY 12427

Description: Join the Catskills Visitor Center on a guided hike to Huckleberry Point. Huckleberry Point Trail involves a somewhat challenging 5-mile round-trip hike, with a rewarding view before heading back to the trailhead. The trail has a few steep points of ascent and descent, along with a potentially challenging river crossing.

Difficulty Level: Moderate. This hike will include switches between gaining and losing elevation, rocky and rooted terrain with old service roads at the beginning, and some steep ascents & descents/minor rock scrambling at points. We will be moving at a brisk pace, so attendees are encouraged to be in good hiking shape. Although there is no age minimum for this hike, this hike is not recommended for novice hikers or those who have difficulty with steep terrain.

Special Instructions: Microspikes/Trail Crampons will be required. Snowshoes may be necessary depending on weather conditions. Headlamps may also be necessary. If any inclement weather is expected that will impact the trail's conditions negatively, the hike will be cancelled. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.

Registration Required: Email David Hans at dhans@catskillcenter.org or call the Catskills Visitor Center at (845) 688-3369 to register by Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Point of Contact for Inquiries: David Hans dhans@catskillcenter.org

North-South Lake and the Kaaterskill Wild Forest – Hike with Camp Catskill

Date: Jan. 1, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Meet up Location: Scutt Road Trailhead Parking Lot, Haines Falls, NY 12436

Description: Join Geologist Robert Titus and Ryan Penny for a two-mile hike through history at North-South Lake and the Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Hike will be limited to 20 participants.

Difficulty Level: Easy (medium if there is snow).

Special Instructions: Prepare for a cold weather. Hike with plenty of warm layers, and sturdy insulated boots, gloves, and hats. Heavy snow will cancel the event. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.

Registration Required: Contact Ryan Penny at info@campcatskill.co or (518) 303-6050 by Monday, Dec.30. Please include NSL First Day Hike in the subject of your email. Registration will close at 20 participants. Thank you!

Contact for Inquiries: Ryan Penny info@campcatskill.co (518) 303-6050
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