The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 8, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting four 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 Finger Lakes, DEC Region 8 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:   

Ontario County:  

Hemlock-Canadice State Forest – Hike with Springwater Trails  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m. Hike will start at 2 p.m. Please arrive early enough to park and get dressed for the weather conditions.  

Meet Up Location: Purcell Hill Road DEC parking lot, Town of Canadice (GPS Coordinates: 42.744292, -77.573654) Google Maps  

Description: Start the New Year outdoors on an inspiring hike along Canadice Lake with Springwater Trails. This is an easy, 4-mile out-and-back hike along the shore of the lake and takes about an hour. The trail is level and well-maintained and the lake views are lovely. Hikers looking for an added challenge can continue onto Rob’s Trail that leads over the ridge and down to Hemlock Lake. Rob’s Trail is a moderate to hard trail with several steep uphill and downhill sections. We will take a roll call the day of the hike to see who would like to hike Rob’s Trail. We will arrange for transport back for those who only want to walk one way. If the trail is dry, then cycling is also an option. For more details, last minute changes, and directions, please visit the Springwater Trails event page. Registration is not required.  

Difficulty Level: The hike along Canadice Lake is considered easy, and the trail is level and well-maintained. The Rob’s Trail option is moderate/difficult, especially if it is icy, with some steep uphill and downhill sections.  

Special Instructions: Dress appropriately for the weather, bring water and some energy food, and carry a walking pole if desired. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: John Larysz (585) 374-8366 (landline)  

Wayne County:  

Montezuma Audubon Center  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146 (GPS Coordinates: 43.092155, -76.764944) Google Maps  

Description: Start off 2026 with a birding excursion through the various habitats at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Join center staff on a leisurely 1.5-mile hike through forest habitat, grasslands, and marshes, in this Important Bird Area that some birds call home through the winter. Wildlife observers of all levels are welcome and encouraged to join. Binoculars will be provided for those that need them. Trail conditions may be slippery and wet depending on the weather. Registration is required.  

Difficulty Level: Easy. The trail is relatively flat with a varying terrain of gravel, dirt, and grass, and could feature some low spots and tree roots. This trail has one moderately strenuous slope that will be avoided if trail conditions are icy. Benches are present at the start of the trail.  

Special Instructions: Hikers should dress prepared for the elements; sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended. This hike will still occur if there is snow on the ground, light rain, or light snowfall. A limited supply of snowshoes may be provided if needed. In the event of harsh weather, participants will be notified of cancellations by 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 31. This is a family friendly event for all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Registration Required: Please register online at Montezuma Audubon Center by Tuesday, December 30  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Montezuma Audubon Center montezuma@audubon.org; (315) 365-3588   

Yates County:  

Italy Hill State Forest – Hike with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Pulver Road Parking Lot – From County Route 32, take a slight left turn onto Pulver Road to access the southern end of the forest. (GPS Coordinates: 42.632402, -77.248528) Google Maps  

Description: Join the Finger Lakes Trail Conference Vice President of Trail Maintenance, John Schmitt, on a lovely 5.5-mile hike to the Outback Inn Lean-to in Italy Hill State Forest. There will be a shorter, 2.5-mile hike option as well. Registration is not required.  

Difficulty Level: Moderate. Hikers can sit and rest at the Outback Inn Lean-to.  

Special Instructions: Prepare for potentially icy and/or snow-covered trails and dress for the weather. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: John Schmitt john.schmitt@fingerlakestrail.org; (585) 358-6301   

Schuyler County:  

Sugar Hill State Forest – Hike with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference  

Date: January 1, 2026  

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Meet Up Location: Sugar Hill Recreation Area Parking Lot – From Schuyler County Route 23, go south on Tower Hill Road. From Schuyler County Route 16, go north on County Route 21, then west on Tower Hill Road. The entrance is on the south side of Tower Hill Road. (GPS Coordinates: 42.390522, -77.003308) Google Maps  

Description: Join Finger Lakes Trail Conference leader Mel DeCamp for a 6.5-mile loop hike in Sugar Hill State Forest. Highlights of this hike will be the Sugar Hill Fire Tower, the twin lean-tos, and enjoying the DEC Sugar Hill Recreation Area. Registration is not required.  

Difficulty Level: Moderate. Hikers can sit and rest at the fire tower and lean-tos.  

Special Instructions: Please dress for the weather and bring foot traction such as microspikes or snowshoes if conditions are icy or snowy. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.  

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Erin Potter erin.potter@fingerlakestrail.org; (607) 372-1646