First-Day Hikes on January 1, 2025

Welcome the New Year with a guided First-Day Hike on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. 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 nine locations! Hikes that start at 10 a.m. are being held in Avon, Fillmore, Hinsdale, Mt. Morris, Nunda, and Scottsville. The hike in York will start at 11 a.m., and the hike in Cuba will begin at 1 p.m. The Chili walk at Brookdale Preserve is detailed below.

Brookdale Preserve
10 a.m.–Noon
Chili

Join the Genesee Land Trust for a First Day Cocoa and Critter Stroll along the GVG through Brookdale Preserve in Chili. The hike is a two-to-four-mile round trip—two miles to the scenic double-arched stone culvert and two miles back to the parking lot. Please bring a mug for cocoa and non-perishable items for the state park food drive. This family-friendly event allows participants to move at their own pace and for as long or as short a time as they like. Please register here.

Genesee Gateway Park

1 p.m.
Rochester

The first day of 2025 is an excellent opportunity to get some fresh air, enjoy the company of others, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Genesee River. All are welcome. We will meet in the parking lot at Genesee Gateway Park for a leisurely meander along the river shortly after that. The route is roughly two miles long, and there are opportunities to shorten your walk if that is what you need. Also, join us for hot cocoa and snacks after the walk at our office at 224 Mt. Hope Ave.

Letchworth

On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, enjoy one or more of the five guided first-day hikes through Letchworth State Park. For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.

First-Day Hike: Waterfalls Hike
10 a.m.–Noon

Join us for a hike along the Portage Canyon to Inspiration Point, the Glen Iris Fountain, and Middle Falls. This more moderate hike offers incredible views and explores the heart of the park. Meet-up Location: Humphrey Nature Center. The approximate distance of the hike is 2 miles. There are no pets. Registration: Not required

First-Day Hike to Hogsback Overlook
10–11:30 a.m

Enjoy a guided hike along the Highbanks Trail with great views of Mt. Morris Canyon. The Hogsback Overlook provides great views of a unique geological feature within Letchworth State Park. Meet-up Location: North Highbanks Picnic Shelter. Approximate distance of hike: 1.5 miles, No pets. Registration: Not required

First-Day Hike: Hike Around the Trout Pond
10:30 a.m.–Noon

Hike a loop around Trout Pond, the human-enhanced wildlife habitat, fishing pond, and water source for the fountain at the Glen Iris Inn. This moderate hike covers mostly flat ground but follows a complete loop around Trout Pond. Experience the hushed, densely fern-covered pine woods in their winter slumber beside the beautiful pond. Meet-up Location: Humphrey Nature Center. Approximate distance of hike: 1 mile, No pets. Registration: Not required

First-Day: Canyon Hike
1–3 p.m.

View the park’s deepest canyon, the Great Bend Canyon, from several vantage points along the Gorge Trail. Learn about what makes Letchworth State Park unique from a natural and historical perspective. Meet-up Location: Humphrey Nature Center. The approximate distance of the hike is 2 miles. There are no pets. Registration: Not required

First-Day Hike – Mt. Morris Dam
1–3 p.m.

Join us for a guided hike with wonderful gorge views and interesting perspectives of the Mt. Morris Dam. Learn about the dam’s functions and importance to communities between Letchworth State Park and the City of Rochester. Meet-up Location: North Highbanks Picnic Shelter. The approximate distance of the hike is 1.5 miles, and there are no pets. Registration: Not required

Hamlin Beach

10 a.m.–Noon and 1–3 p.m.

Participants should dress warmly as it can be windy along the lake. Meet-up Location: Shelter One. The approximate distance of the hike is two miles. Leashed pets are welcome. Registration: Not required

Cumming Nature Center

11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Begin the new year with adventure and good company on a five-mile round-trip hike (or cross-country ski) up the Wilderness Trail. Brief rest breaks include inspirational writings on nature, well-being, and mindfulness. Led by CNC Nature Writer Angie, this moderate-to-strenuous hike will take about 2 ½ hours to complete. Bring a water bottle and extra layers! This program is for ages 12+.

Taughannock Falls

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Start the New Year by making a healthy resolution you will love to keep: a breathtaking hike to Taughannock Falls on the Gorge Trail! If you are up for more of a challenge, you can continue up to the Overlook on the North Rim trail, across to the multi-use trails, and then return to the parking lot. Fun facts and park trivia signs will be placed along the trails. Plan on being outside for at least an hour (more if you hike all five miles); please dress for the weather, bring water, and wear appropriate footwear. Park staff will greet hikers at the start of the Gorge Trail by NYS Route 89. Meet-up Location: Gorge Trail Parking Lot, Approximate distance of hike: 1.5 – 5 miles, Leashed pets welcome. Registration: Not required

Niagara Falls

Noon–2 p.m.

Join us for a walk to welcome the New Year along the Niagara Gorge, where we’ll see nature in winter as we take the accessible pathway to Whirlpool State Park. Meet-up Location: Parking Lot Next to Dog Park and Playground. Approximate distance of hike: .75 miles. Leashed pets are welcome. Click here to register. Registration: Required

3–5 p.m.

Enjoy the first day of the New Year with your leashed dog at Niagara Falls State Park! Take a leisurely walk from Prospect to Terrapin Point and enjoy the extraordinary views of all three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. Meet-up Location: Welcome center. Approximate distance of hike: 1.5 miles; leashed pets welcome. Registration: Required

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.