The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 6, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting three 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 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.  

DEC Region 6 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:  

Oneida County:  

Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early to ensure there is enough parking.  

Meet Up Location: Erie Canal Trail Parking Area, 5625 Mohawk Street, Marcy, NY 13403 (GPS Coordinates: 43.134573, -75.278335) Google Maps  

Description: Join DEC staff at the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area for a four-mile scenic walk along the Erie Canal and adjacent wetlands, as we look for local wildlife thriving in Central New York at the turn of the New Year. There is a wildlife viewing platform at the end of the hike where we will stop to look for wildlife in the ponds, particularly waterfowl. Registration is required.  

Difficulty Level: Flat terrain, with pavement along the entire route.  

Special Instructions: Be prepared for winter weather and cool winds by bringing appropriate winter clothing and boots. An umbrella may be handy if it is raining. Please bring binoculars or a spotting scope for wildlife viewing. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Required: Contact Daniel Ruggiero at daniel.ruggiero@dec.ny.gov or (315) 866-6330 ext. 132 by Tuesday, December 30.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Daniel Ruggiero daniel.ruggiero@dec.ny.gov; (315) 866-6330 ext. 132  

Jefferson County:  

Winona State Forest: CCC Loop Trail – Hike with the Winona Forest Recreation Association  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive early.  

Meet Up Location: Winona Forest CCC Camp Parking Area, County Road 90, Mannsville, NY 13361 (GPS Coordinates: 43.712803, -75.970619) Google Maps  

Description: Join DEC staff and the Winona Forest Recreation Association for a two-mile snowshoe on the CCC Loop Trail. We will pass through natural hardwood forests and plantations established by Civil Conservation Corps and hike along a portion of Skinner Creek. Depending on snow conditions, we may modify the route or complete it as a hike instead. Registration is encouraged but not required.  

Difficulty Level: Moderate. Depending on conditions, this will either be a hike or a snowshoe event. Weather conditions may impact difficulty.  

Special Instructions: Hikers should be prepared for winter conditions, and bring snowshoes, proper clothing, and water. There are other trails on the property for participants to enjoy after the organized hike, if they would like. This event may be cancelled if weather conditions pose a safety risk. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Encouraged: Contact Michael Giocondo at Michael.giocondo@dec.ny.gov or (315) 376-3521 by Tuesday, December 30.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Michael Giocondo Michael.giocondo@dec.ny.gov; (315) 376-3521   

St. Lawrence County:

Mt. Arab – Hike with DEC, the Friends of Mt. Arab, and the New York State Outdoor Guide Association 

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 9:30 a.m. -11 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.  

Meet Up Location: Mt. Arab Parking Area on Mt. Arab Road in the town of Piercefield (GPS Coordinates: 44.213689, -74.596110) Google Maps  

Description: Join Potsdam DEC Staff, members of the Friends of Mt. Arab, and New York State Outdoor Guide Association guide Sheila Young for a two-mile round trip hike up Mt. Arab. Participants can greet the New Year atop the 40-foot fire tower while enjoying the frosty-clear view of Tupper Lake, Eagle Crag Lake, and Mt. Arab Lake. Registration is required.  

Difficulty Level: Moderate. There are places of steep incline, but they are generally short. Total elevation gain is 750 feet over 1.0 mile, with an average 14% slope.  

Special Instructions: Please bring plenty of water, a snack, extra layers, and a camera if desired. Snowshoes or microspikes will be required depending on the trail conditions. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Required: Contact Tim Otis at timothy.otis@dec.ny.gov or (315) 265-3621 by Wednesday, December 31.