The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced “first day” hikes planned for Jan. 1, 2020, in DEC’s Region 5. DEC encourages New Yorkers to connect with nature by getting outdoors on the first day of the New Year with DEC Region 5 staff and partners.

“First Day Hikes are a great way to start the New Year,” said Bob Stegemann, DEC Region 5 Director. “DEC is excited to work with partners, Paul Smith’s College, and SUNY College of Environment Science and Forestry (ESF), to provide exceptional guided adventures for this year’s First Day Hikes.”

“We can't wait to have folks here starting off the New Year on snowshoes with their families and neighbors,” said Thompson Tomaszewski, Lead Naturalist and Environmental Educator at Paul Smith’s VIC. “We love getting people outside on our gorgeous 25-plus-mile trail system to explore and learn about the natural world no matter the season, and we think this is a great way to give people a taste of what we do here.”

“We’re excited to offer two first day guided hikes this year.” said Jacob O’Connell, SUNY ESF Outreach Program Manager. “The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), located on SUNY ESF’s Newcomb Campus is the center for nature interpretation in the Adirondacks. With over seven miles of trails, and naturalists from the ESF Newcomb Campus, the AIC hosts public programs throughout the year.”

Hikers should come prepared for the conditions with warm layered clothing, water, sunglasses, and proper footwear to be worn with snowshoes, warm hats, and gloves.

Each participant will receive a pair of Adventure NY branded gloves and First Day Hike sticker. Guided hikes will be cancelled if snowfall or other weather events creates hazardous travel conditions or outdoor recreation conditions. Participants will be notified if a hike is cancelled by December 31.

1. DEC Guided Hike Up Prospect Mountain

January 1, 2020, 10:00am

Details: The hike is 1.5-miles and climbs 1,630-feet from the trailhead to the 2,030-foot summit. The spectacular 360-degree, 100-mile view of Lake George, the Queen of the American Lakes, the Southern Adirondack Mountains, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Adirondack High Peaks of New York, and on a clear day the Laurentian Mountains of Canada.

Prospect Mountain: Trailhead on Smith Street, Village of Lake George (43.4254°N, 73.7197°W)

Registration: For information and registration: Ben Thomas, benjamin.thomas@dec.ny.gov or call (518) 623-1268.

Be Prepared: This event is free of charge. All hikers must have appropriate clothing and footwear. Snow shoes or crampons are required. Weather conditions may make this trail extremely icy and require additional traction. Bring water, snacks or anything else you may need for a hike.

2. Paul Smith’s Guided Snowshoe at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)

January 1, 2020, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Details: Paul Smith’s Lead Naturalist will provide a guided two-hour, light-to-moderate walk on VIC trails. The guided walk will take visitors through a series of diverse Adirondack ecosystems. The experience is open for all ages, comfortable with a moderate level of difficulty on a well-maintained groomed trail. Hikes will begin at the VIC welcome center.

Paul Smith VIC: 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970.

Registration: For more information and registration: call (518) 327-6241.

Be Prepared: The event is free of charge. Participants will not need to purchase a day pass to go on the guided hike. Snowshoes are required. Bring your own or rent a pair at the VIC for a fee. Hot chocolate and warm drinks will be available for sale the VIC store.

3. SUNY ESF Guided Snowshoe at SUNY ESF’s Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC)

January 1, 2020, 10:00am

Details: The hike around the AIC trails will be approximately 2 miles and will explore the many unique adaptations that allow mammals to survive the often cold and harsh Adirondack Winters. Walk will be on light-moderate terrain and the hike will take approximately 1.5 hours. Hike will begin at SUNY ESF’s Adirondack Interpretive Center.

SUNY ESF AIC: 5922 State Route 28N, Newcomb NY, 12852.

Registration: Registration is required. Call (518) 582-2000 to register.

Be Prepared: This event is free of charge. Snowshoes are required and will be provided if participants do not have their own. Hot chocolate will be available at the Adirondack Interpretive Center.

4. SUNY ESF Guided Hike Up Goodnow Mountain

January 1, 2020, 10:00am

Details: More intrepid first day hikers can join AIC naturalists and snowshoe the four-mile round trip trail up Goodnow Mountain. The hike will explore the natural and cultural history of Goodnow Mountain. The Goodnow Mountain trail ascends approximately 800 feet over two miles and features views of the high peaks from a 60ft Fire Tower on the summit. Hike will take approximately 3.5 hours. Hike will begin at SUNY ESF’s Adirondack Interpretive Center.

SUNY ESF’s AIC: 5922 State Route 28N, Newcomb NY, 12852

Registration: Registration is required. Call (518) 582-2000 to register.

Be Prepared: This event is free of charge. Snowshoes are required and will be provided if participants do not have their own. Hot chocolate will be available at the Adirondack Interpretive Center. All hikers must have appropriate clothing and footwear. Weather conditions may make this trail extremely icy and require additional traction. Bring water, snacks, or anything else you may need for a hike.

DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are offering over seventy First Day Hikes at parks and state lands across New York. For a list of DEC and partner guided hikes, visit DEC’s First Day Hikes webpage. For more information and a complete list of hikes, view the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation press release.