The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting six 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 North Country, DEC Region 5 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public: 

 

Warren County: 

Cat Mountain – Hike with the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club 

Date: January 1, 2026 

 

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

 

Meet Up Location: Edge Comb Pond Trailhead (GPS Coordinates: 43.576357, -73.685386) Google Maps 

 

Directions – Get off the Northway at exit 24 and head towards Bolton Landing. At two miles, turn right onto Valley Woods Road. At 0.6 miles, turn right onto Edgecomb Pond Road. Follow this road for 1.5 miles before turning right onto Edgecomb Pond Road (again). In 600 feet, the trailhead will be on your right. If you have trouble finding it on your phone or map, email smackey33@verizon.net for further directions. 

 

Description: Join the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club on a First Day Hike up Cat Mountain. We will hike to the summit via the Red Trail and take the Blue Trail on the way down. The total round-trip distance of this moderate hike is 4.1 miles, with approximately 1,000 feet of vertical gain. It should take around 2.5 hours to complete. The summit of Cat Mountain offers great views of Lake George, with Buck Mountain almost directly to the East. Registration is required. 

 

Difficulty Level: 1,000-foot vertical gain, moderately challenging. Although there is no age minimum for this hike, it is probably not appropriate for a child’s first hike. 

 

Special Instructions: You may need micro spikes or snowshoes. If you own them, bring them, and it will be decided at the trailhead whether they are needed. The hike leader, Steve Mackey, has a few extra pairs of each, but needs to know ahead of time if they are needed. Bring some food and drink; something hot in a thermos is always good. It's a good idea to have an extra down jacket or layers in your pack, for extra warmth on the summit. You should carry a headlamp or flashlight, as it is always wise to bring for unforeseen situations. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

 

Registration Required: Contact Steve Mackey at smackey33@verizon.net or (518) 338-8173. It is okay to register up until the night before, but the hike may be filled. A waiting list will be kept, if necessary. 

 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Steve Mackey smackey33@verizon.net;(518) 338-8173 

 

Essex County: 

Lost Pond 

Date: January1, 2026 

 

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

 

Meet Up Location: Lost Pond Trailhead Parking Lot, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 (GPS Coordinates: 43.840763, -73.558651) Google Maps 

 

Description: Feel found at Lost Pond! Join DEC staff for a 3.7-mile backcountry hike to Lost Pond, a hidden gem tucked away in the Adirondacks. Registration is not required. 

 

Difficulty Level: Gradual inclines – this hike does not get very steep at any point on the route. The trail is known to be muddy and can get icy in the winter. We will stop and rest when needed. 

 

Special Instructions: Please bring appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Amanda Raymond amanda.raymond@dec.ny.gov (518) 681-2232 

  

Franklin County: 

Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC): Heron Marsh Trail 

Date: January 1, 2026 

 

Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

 

Meet Up Location: Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center, 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970 (GPS Coordinates: 44.448544, -74.259399) Google Maps 

 

Description: Join DEC Forest Ranger Matthew Adams for a three-mile hike around Heron Marsh where there will be plenty of spots to stop, take in the view, and look for wildlife. Registration is not required. 

 

This hike is hosted in partnership with Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center. 

Difficulty Level: Moderate. Trail is fairly flat, with some gentle hills. There are some benches and viewing areas along the way for those who would like to stop and rest. 

 

Special Instructions: Be prepared with good footwear, warm clothes, and layers. Snowshoes are required if conditions allow, but will be provided for free through the VIC. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Matthew Adams matthew.adams@dec.ny.gov; (315) 832-2695 

 

Lake Colby Conservation Education Camp 

Date: January 1, 2026 

 

Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

 

Meet Up Location: 90 Camp Colby Road, Saranac Lake NY 12983 (GPS Coordinates: 44.348476, -74.148843) Google Maps  

 

Directions: Coming from Saranac Lake, drive past the Lake Colby boat launch. Turn left at the four-way intersection onto Pecks Corners Roads. Please park on the left side of the road (the side with the stone wall) in a single file line as far over as you can get. There is space to turn around further up the road. Once parked, please walk through the gate down the paved driveway into camp. We will gather at the pavilion by the entrance. 

 

Description: Visit Camp Colby to engage with DEC Environmental Educators and learn about the Camp's ecology, history, and programs. All are welcome on this short, one-mile or less, beginner- and family friendly hike. Registration is not required. 

 

Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly hike. Only small hills, with negligible elevation gain. There are spots to rest along the way, and we will make frequent stops to discuss the surrounding ecology and program materials. 

 

Special Instructions: Attendees should bring snowshoes if they have them. Please dress warmly and for the weather - it is frequently below 0°F during the day this time of year. We will have educational material and information about the camps program for you before and after the hike. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike. 

 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Charles Hayden Charles.hayden@dec.ny.gov; (518) 897-1207 

 

Adirondack Rail Trail – Hike with the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) 

Date: January 1, 2026 

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Meet Up Location:  Saranac Lake Union Depot Parking Area, 42 Depot Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 (GPS Coordinates: 44.331196, -74.132707) Google Maps 

 

Description: Join the Adirondack Rail Trail Association for a five-mile winter stroll along the Adirondack Rail Trail, across the Lake Colby Causeway with beautiful views. Registration is required. 

 

Difficulty Level: No elevation gain, level trail surface. Trail is ADA Accessible, but winter weather may affect the conditions of the trail. There are spots along the trail where folks can sit and rest if needed. 

 

Special Instructions: Please dress for winter weather! If snowshoes or microspikes are needed, they will be provided. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash. 

 

Registration Required: Email Julia Goren at julia@adirondackrailtrail.org by Saturday, Dec. 27 

 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Julia Goren julia@adirondackrailtrail.org 

 

Clinton County: 

Silver Lake Mountain 

 

Date: January 1, 2026 

 

Time: We will start this hike at 6 a.m. to reach the summit for sunrise at 7:30 a.m. Please arrive at the parking lot at least 15 minutes early. We will finish around 9 a.m. 

 

Meet Up Location: Silver Lake Mountain Trailhead, Silver Lake Road, Black Brook NY – located on the north side of Silver Lake Road, 11 miles west of Au Sable Forks, and near the east end of Silver Lake. (GPS Coordinates: 44.511043, -73.849852) Google Maps 

 

Description: Watch the sunrise on the first day of 2026 from Silver Lake Mountain. This 1.8-mile round trip hike led by DEC staff offers big views of Taylor Pond, Whiteface Mountain, and the northeastern Adirondacks from the summit. Registration is required. 

 

Difficulty Level: This is a short hike, but it gains roughly 900 feet in elevation, making it moderately steep. There are a few sections of exposed bedrock and roots, but nothing terribly difficult to navigate. Every 0.3 miles or so there is a small clearing with a lookout, as well as plenty of rocks and logs to sit and rest along the way. 

 

Special Instructions: This is a SUNRISE hike, meaning that we will arrive at the trailhead, and climb the mountain in the dark. Headlamps are a necessity, as are microspikes/crampons due to ice near the summit. Snowshoes and trekking poles are recommended, but not required, as the trail will be packed down from moderate foot traffic. Dress warm, as there is often a breeze at the summit. Hikers must be at least 8 years old to participate in this hike. No pets are allowed on this hike. 

  

Registration Required: Contact Liam Foran at liam.foran@dec.ny.gov or (607) 422-9409 by Wednesday, December 31 

 

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Liam Foran liam.foran@dec.ny.gov