First-Day Hikes on January 1, 2026

Welcome the New Year with a guided First-Day Hike on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Start planning your walk at one of several parks hosting events. Some require pre-registration to ensure the right staff and volunteers are on hand to make each hike a safe and memorable experience.

If you cannot attend one of these events, check out our favorite winter walks around Monroe County and a list of New York State Parks within a two-hour drive that you can enjoy anytime.

Genesee Valley Greenway

Choose from one of several locations along the GVG! Hikes that start at 10 a.m. are being held in Rochester/Chili (Brookdale Preserve details below), Scottsville, Avon, Mt. Morris, Nunda, York Landing, Belfast, Fowlerville, Piffard, Fillmore, and Hinsdale.

Brookdale Preserve
10 a.m.–Noon
Chili

Ring in the New Year with an easy two to four-mile walk along the Greenway from Brookdale Preserve, co-hosted by the Genesee Land Trust and Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway. Please dress appropriately for the weather. If there’s snow, feel free to bring your snowshoes or skis. Leashed pets are welcome; kindly clean up after them. Meet at 30 Brook Road, Rochester, NY 14623, in the parking area. Reservations are required.

Highland Park

1:00 PM

Join Rochester Ecology Partners for a relaxed walk through Highland Park. The first day of 2026 is a perfect chance to get some fresh air, meet others, and enjoy the natural beauty of Highland Park. Stroll and then enjoy hot cocoa and snacks at their office (224 Mt. Hope Ave). This event is free.

Letchworth

On Thursday, January 1, 2026, join one or more of the six guided first-day hikes through Letchworth State Park. The Friends of Letchworth State Park will provide refreshments. For more information, please call (585) 493-3680. View the most current Letchworth State Park First Day Hike details here. Registration: Not required.

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Walks meeting at the Humphrey Nature Center; use the Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road.

First Day Sunrise Hike
7–8 a.m.
Witness the first sunrise of 2026 from the Archery Field Overlook, the breathtaking “Grand Canyon of the East” view at Letchworth State Park. This easy one-mile hike offers wonderful views and great photo opportunities.

First Day Waterfalls Hike
10–11 a.m.
Join us for a hike along the Portage Canyon to Inspiration Point, the Glen Iris Fountain, and Middle Falls. This moderate two-mile hike offers incredible views and explores the heart of the park.

First Day Hike Around Trout Pond
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Walk an easy one-mile loop around Trout Pond, the human-enhanced wildlife habitat, fishing pond, and water source for the fountain at the Glen Iris Inn. Experience the hushed, densely fern-covered pine woods in their winter slumber beside the beautiful pond.

First Day Inspiration Point Hike
1–2 p.m.
An easy one-mile hike to the Portage Canyon that provides an “inspiring” vantage point of both Middle and Upper Falls. Enjoy great canyon views while exploring the park’s natural beauty.

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Walks meeting at the Highbanks Recreation Area; use the Mount Morris entrance at 2640 Park Road.

First Day Hike to Hogsback Overlook
10–11 a.m.
Enjoy a guided 1.5-mile hike along the Highbanks Trail with views of the Mount Morris Canyon. The Hogsback Overlook provides great views of a unique geological feature within Letchworth State Park.

First Day Hike to Mount Morris Dam
1–2 p.m.
Join a guided 1.5-mile hike with stunning gorge views and unique perspectives of the Mount Morris Dam. Discover the dam’s functions and its significance to communities between Letchworth State Park and Lake Ontario.

Hamlin Beach

10 a.m.–Noon and 1–3 p.m.

Welcome the New Year with nature! Join one of two gentle guided winter walks to explore the history and natural wonders of Hamlin Beach State Park. Meet at Shelter 3 in Area 3. Registration: Not required

Cumming Nature Center

Dec 27, 28, and Jan 1

From guided hikes to indoor arts and crafts, from a clothing swap to a campfire and hot cocoa, there’s something for every member of your family! Registration: Not required

Taughannock Falls

10–11 a.m. and 1–2 p.m.

Join a park educator for a 1.5-mile-long hike along the gorge trail to the base of the 215-foot-tall Taughannock Falls. The trail is wide and level, but please dress for the weather, as the educators will stop a few times along the way to share information about natural history, local geology, and park history. Guided hikes will last about 90 minutes, but if you prefer to hike on your own, you can start at any time and plan to be outside for 45 minutes to an hour or more. Parking at the Gorge trail lot may be limited, but there is plenty of parking just across the road in the Main Entrance lots (lakeside). Meet at the Gorge Trail entrance. Registration: Not required

Niagara Falls

2:30–3:30 p.m.

Enjoy the first day of the New Year with your dog at Niagara Falls State Park! Take a leisurely 1.5-mile walk from Prospect Point to Terrapin Point and admire the incredible views of all three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, as it can be windy and misty near the falls. Cold temperatures may cause icy conditions. All trails are paved and mostly level. You don’t need to have a dog to join. All dogs must be on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet. Meet at the Welcome Center—registration is required.

Erie Canal Hike or Snowshoe

Macedon
10 a.m.–noon

Start the New Year with a free guided winter walk on the Erie Canal. Depending on conditions, participants will use snowshoes, traction devices, or regular boots (equipment provided). Along the way, you’ll learn about Erie Canal history—including Gallup’s change bridge abutment and Old Lock 60—and explore winter wildlife signs such as tracks, birds, and native vegetation. The route includes varied terrain with one significant hill. ASL interpreters available with 10 days’ notice. Meet at Lock 30/Macedon Canal Park—get directions here. For more info, please get in touch with Capt. L J – Tomboy Adventures, LLC at (585) 269-8125. The event is free, but registration is required.

Inclusive Erie Canal Hike or Snowshoe

Palmyra
1:30–3 p.m.

Begin the New Year with a guided winter history walk along the Erie Canal. This level, packed-gravel route follows the Empire State Trail and highlights the three eras of canal construction, the workers who built it, and key historic features such as the Mud Creek Aqueduct, the mid-19th-century Aldrich Change Bridge, and a lock still in use today. Depending on conditions, the group will use snowshoes, traction devices, or boots; equipment is provided. Push sleds and volunteer helpers are available with advance reservation. ASL interpreters available with 10 days’ notice. Meet at Pal-Mac Aqueduct County Park—get directions here. For more info, please get in touch with Capt. L J – Tomboy Adventures, LLC at (585) 269-8125. The event is free, but registration is required.

Hikes with the DEC

Hemlock-Canadice State Forest – Hike with Springwater Trails

Time: 1:45pm – 4:00pm. Hike will start at 2pm. 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, Ontario County (GPS Coordinates: 42.744292, -77.573654) Google Maps

Description: Start the New Year the way you mean to go on – come for 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; the trail is level and well-maintained and the lake views are lovely. For most hikers it will be a walk along the lake for an hour or so, and then back the same way; more enthusiastic hikers can veer off on Rob’s Trail that leads over the ridge and down to Hemlock Lake – this is a moderate to hard trail with several steep uphill and downhill sections. We’ll take a roll call the day of the hike if anyone wants to walk Rob’s Trail. We’ll 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, carry water and some energy food, and carry a walking pole if it helps. There will not be an organized social for this hike, but the Birdhouse in Honoeye nearby will be open. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.

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

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Montezuma Audubon Center

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: Happy New Year! Start off your 2026 right with a birding excursion through the various habitats at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Join center staff on a leisurely ~ 1.5-mile easy hike through forest habitat, grasslands, and marshes in this Important Bird Area that some birds call home through the snowfall. Wildlife observers of ALL levels welcome and encouraged. 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 – trail is relatively flat with varying terrain of gravel, dirt, and grass that could feature some low spots and tree roots. Trail does have one moderately strenuous slope that will not be taken if trail conditions are icy. Benches are present at the start of the trail.

Special Instructions: Hikers should dress prepared for the elements; boots/waterproof footwear are 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 31st. 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 2026 First Day Hike at the Montezuma Audubon Center by Tuesday, December 30th.

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

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Montezuma Audubon Center

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: Happy New Year! Start off your 2026 right with a birding excursion through the various habitats at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Join center staff on a leisurely ~ 1.5-mile easy hike through forest habitat, grasslands, and marshes in this Important Bird Area that some birds call home through the snowfall. Wildlife observers of ALL levels welcome and encouraged. 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 – trail is relatively flat with varying terrain of gravel, dirt, and grass that could feature some low spots and tree roots. Trail does have one moderately strenuous slope that will not be taken if trail conditions are icy. Benches are present at the start of the trail.

Special Instructions: Hikers should dress prepared for the elements; boots/waterproof footwear are 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 31st. 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 2026 First Day Hike at the Montezuma Audubon Center by Tuesday, December 30th.

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

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

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 CR 16 go north on CR 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 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. Folks can sit and rest at the fire tower and lean-tos.

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

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

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Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center

Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Meet Up Location: Reinstein Woods, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY 14043 (GPS Coordinates: 42.891579, -78.717847) Google Maps

Description: Ring in New Year’s Day with an easy 1–2-mile hike at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center. A DEC Forest Ranger will lead the hike and discuss how to prepare for any outdoor adventure. Registration is required.

Difficulty Level: Easy. There are a few benches along the route for resting if needed.

Special Instructions: Please dress for the weather! If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us as early as possible so others can join. Visit https://reinsteinwoods.org/events for additional information. All ages are welcome. No pets allowed on this hike.

Registration Required: Call Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959 by Tuesday, December 30th. Registration will close once full, so make sure to register early!

Point of Contact for Inquiries: Reinstein Woods, E: info@reinsteinwoods.org, P: (716) 683-5959

Cold weather hiking advice from the American Hiking Society

Hiking during the winter can be fun as long as you prepare with these tips.

Dress in layers.

While it is perhaps nice to have a huge, fluffy parka on the ski slopes, it isn’t practical for the trail. Instead, take several layers you can peel off or put on when you stop and go on the trail. Your base layer should be a wicking fabric that will pull your sweat away from the skin. Overheating is a dangerous threat since excessive moisture that cannot escape can freeze and cause hypothermia. If you ever wondered why some of your jackets have zippers under the armpits, it’s to keep air circulating and prevent your clothes from getting wet.

Wear a hat.

Our heads are filled with oxygen-carrying capillaries, which fuel our brains and consume one-third of the body’s energy. During the colder months, it is important to keep your head covered to maintain function and not lose precious body heat. You may want to bring a warmer/heavier hat for rest periods.

Keep your water bottle warm.

Whether at the campsite or on the trail, a foam sleeve like a koozie will help prevent the water in a bottle from freezing. Nothing warms your body or spirit like a warm liquid by a campfire. Boil water to take with you as you hike. You can seal your bottle inside your jacket to keep the water from freezing.

Wear sunscreen.

While this is especially important when hiking in a snowy region, winter hikers often forget that the sun’s glare reflects off white snow.

Be prepared for shorter days.

As early as October, dusk settles earlier and more quickly than in the summer. Before going hiking, have a good idea of the usable daylight hours. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

In addition to these tips and hints, remember to follow standard safety practices when hiking in the winter. Be sure of the gear you take with you, and if you have any specific questions, ask a local outdoor expert to stay safe.

Where is your favorite place for a first-day hike?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.