The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 1 is hosting a First Day Hike event at Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest and Maintenance Center 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 the 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.  

On Long Island, DEC Region 1 staff are hosting the following hike opportunity for the public:  

Suffolk County:  

Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest and Maintenance Center (Ridge Conservation Area): Ridge Interpretive Trail  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: This hike starts at 10 a.m. and will take more than an hour. Please arrive 15 minutes early.  

Meet Up Location: 484 Randall Road, Ridge, NY 11961 (GPS Coordinates: 40.896984, -72.892727) Google Maps  

Directions – Take Route 495 (Long Island Expressway) to exit 68, then travel north on William Floyd Parkway (County Route 46) to Route 25 west. Travel 0.25 miles and turn right on Randall Road. The entrance is about 300 feet on the left side.  

Available parking – Randall Pond West Parking Area (GPS Coordinates:40.896751, -72.892227) Google Maps  

Description: Join DEC staff and DEC Forest Rangers on a 2.25-mile walk that winds its way through the 184-acre Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest. This guided hike features 14 interpretive posts describing forest, grassland, and pond habitats, and provides scenic viewing locations along the route. It will take more than an hour and is suitable for children who can walk this distance without assistance. The hike will leave promptly at 10 a.m. Please arrive by at least 9:45 a.m. so that we can organize hiking groups if necessary. Space is limited. Registration is required.  

Difficulty Level: This trail is relatively flat with a few slight inclines. Short stops will be made at 14 interpretive posts along the route.  

Special Instructions: Please be prepared for the cold. Wear warm clothing in layers such as long pants, a hat, and gloves. Check the weather for Ridge, NY and assume that the winds will produce wind chill. We suggest you bring water, binoculars, and a camera. Severe weather and/or unsafe driving conditions may cause us to cancel this walk. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets are allowed on this hike.  

Registration Required: Email Bill Fonda at bill.fonda@dec.ny.gov by Tuesday, December 30.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Bill Fonda bill.fonda@dec.ny.gov