Welcome the New Year with a guided First Day Hike on January 1, 2023. Start planning your walk through Highland Park with Rochester Ecology Partners, Beechwood and Cornwall Preserve with Trails Works, Cumming Nature Center, and several state parks like Letchworth, Taughannock, and the Greenway with Genesee Land Trust.
Some require pre-registration so they’ll have the right amount of staff and volunteers to make each hike a safe and memorable experience. If you’re not able to go to one of these event, check out our favorite winter walks around Monroe County that you can enjoy anytime.
Rochester Ecology Partners
Highland Park First Day Hike
Rochester
Sunday, January 1, 2023
1:00 p.m.
The first day of 2023 is a great opportunity to get some fresh air, enjoy the company of others, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Highland Park. Join us for a leisurely walk, or just chilling out, in a place that is perfect for reflecting on what a fresh start means. All are welcome and please reach out about any accommodations you might need.
We will meet at the Highland Park Conservatory. This event is free, please consider making a contribution to support our work when you register.
Trail Works
Email trailworks@trailworks.org with questions.
Trail Works Beechwood Hike
Sodus
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Come join Trail Works and Camp Beechwood manager Sal Vittozzi at 10:00 a.m. New Year’s Day for a brisk morning hike through Beechwood State Park to ring in the New Year! There have been many improvements to the Park over the past year, and Sal is always proud to show them off! Meet at the upper (west) parking lot, dress for the weather, and wear appropriate foot gear. We will also be having our (twice postponed) Passport drawing for the $250 Wegmans gift card for those who have completed 15 or 30 of our Passport Trails, and turned their Passport booklet into Cornell Cooperative Extension in Newark. You need NOT be present to win. Watch the Trail Works Facebook page for any weather related updates for this hike.
Trail Works Cornwall Preserve Hike
Williamson
Sunday, January 1, 2023
1:00–3:00 p.m.
If you prefer to ring in the new year with a little more sleep, Carol May will be leading a group at the Cornwall Preserve at 1:00 p.m. Located in the Hamlet of Pultneyville, Cornwall Preserve offers spectacular views of Lake Ontario, important habitat for plants and animals, active peach and apple orchards, and walking trails. Habitat highlights of the Preserve include 2/3 mile of high bluff lakeshore, 12 acres of mature woodlands, a 13-acre wildflower meadow, and 30 acres of early successional habitat. The Cornwall Preserve is a Genesee Land Trust property.
Cumming Nature Center
Cumming Nature Center
Naples
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10 a.m., $4
Begin the new year with adventure and good company. Join us on a 5-mile hike up the Wilderness Trail (if conditions permit). We will take breaks along the way with readings from naturalists and poets on the value of wild places.
This hike is moderate-to-difficult and will take about 2 ½ hours to complete. Tickets available online and at the door.
Cumming also offers winter walks all season.
New York State Parks
Letchworth First Sunrise Hike
Castile Entrance
Sunday, January 1, 2023
7:00–8:30 a.m.
Witness the first sunrise of 2023 from Archery Field Overlook, the breathtaking “Grand Canyon of the East” view at Letchworth State Park. This easy hike on mostly-level ground offers wonderful views and great photo opportunities. 1 mile.
Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center.
For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.
Letchworth Trout Pond Hike
Castile Entrance
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:00–11:30 a.m.
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. 1½ hours, 1 mile.
Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center.
For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.
Letchworth Hogsback Overlook Hike
Mount Morris Entrance
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a guided hike along the Highbanks Trail with great views of the Mt. Morris Canyon. The Hogsback Overlook provides great views of a unique geological feature of the gorge within Letchworth State Park. – 1½ miles.
Meet at the North Highbanks Shelter, in the north end of the park near the swimming pool.
For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.
Letchworth Morning Waterfalls Hike
Castile Entrance
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:30 a.m.
Join us for a hike to Middle Falls and Upper Falls. This easy hike over mostly flat surfaces offers incredible views, plus the Glen Iris fountain, known to some as the “Ice Volcano” in the winter. One mile.
Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center.
For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.
Letchworth Mount Morris Dam Hike
Mount Morris Entrance
Sunday, January 1, 2023
1:00–2:30 p.m.
See the Mount Morris Dam as only a winter hiker can, with hard-to find views exposed by bare trees. Hear stories of the creation of the Mount Morris Dam and its importance to communities on the Genesee River, including some of the most productive farmland in New York and the City of Rochester. – 1½ miles.
Meet at the North Highbanks Shelter, in the north end of the park near the swimming pool.
For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.
Letchworth Afternoon Waterfalls Hike
Castile Entrance
Sunday, January 1, 2023
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Join us for a hike to Inspiration Point, the Glen Iris Fountain, and Middle Falls. This more moderate hike offers incredible views and explores exotic trees, as well as state and national champion trees. 2 miles.
Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center.
For more information, please call (585) 493-3680.
Genesee Valley Greenway Rochester
Brookdale Preserve, Chili
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Start the New Year off with an easy walk along Genesee Valley Greenway State Park, which was once part of the Genesee Valley Canal & Railroad. Enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding wooded wetlands while looking for birds, animal tracks or other signs of wildlife.
We’ll start at Brook Road and go north toward Black Creek. This walk is suitable for all levels with options for shorter or longer distances. The longest walk will be about four miles roundtrip to see a unique double-arched stone culvert over Black Creek. Genesee Land Trust will provide warm drinks and light snacks. Please meet at Brook Rd Parking Area – 30 Brook Rd, Rochester, 14623. In case of severe weather, please check Genesee Valley Greenway State Park on Facebook for event status. Parking is available at the meet site. Please follow all current Covid-19 guidelines for indoor/outdoor activity. Dress weather appropriate. If there is snow, feel free to bring your snowmobile, snowshoes and/or skis.
Genesee Valley Greenway Scottsville
Canawaugus Park, Scottsville
Sunday, January 1, 2023
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Begin the year off right with a self-guided walk along the newly resurfaced Genesee Valley Greenway State Park! Hiking is all day but join us between the hours of 1-3 to warm up by the campfire.
Head south to the Lehigh Valley Trail and Genesee River Bridge overlook for a 5-mile round trip, or, if you prefer, head north or south to the next crossroad for a shorter 2-mile roundtrip.
Please meet at Canawaugus Park. In case of severe weather, please check Genesee Valley Greenway State Park on Facebook for event status. Hike participants are invited to the fire pit at Canawaugus Park before starting their self-guided hike along the Greenway. Parking is available at the meet site. Please follow all current Covid-19 guidelines for indoor/outdoor activity. Dress weather appropriate. If there is snow, feel free to bring your snowmobile, snowshoes and/or skis.
Taughannock Falls
Trumansburg
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Start off the New Year by making a healthy resolution you will love to keep: a breath-taking 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 make your way back 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 5 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.
Niagara Falls
Sunday, January 1, 2023
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Enjoy the first sunset of 2023 on an entertaining and informative walk with a park naturalist. This walk can’t be mist!
For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.
Seneca Lake State Park
Geneva
Sunday, January 1, 2023
9:00 a.m.
Kick off the new year with a refreshing stroll along the north shore of beautiful Seneca Lake. The walk will be on our paved path and is fully accessible. This year we would like to encourage everyone to bring a kite with them to fly in the athletic fields after the walk. We usually have a steady breeze. Let’s see how many we kites we can get up at the same time!
Event is rain or shine. Refreshments provided before and after while supplies last. Pet leashes must be no longer than six feet please.
For more information please call (315) 789-2331.
Knox Farm
East Aurora
Sunday, January 1, 2023
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Welcome in the new year with your best friend and a park naturalist! Together, we will explore wintry wonders of Knox Farm. Please make sure you and your dog are prepared to be out in the elements. Additionally, all dogs should be on a non-retractable leash no more than 6 ft. in length and should be cleaned up after.
For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.
Fort Niagara
Youngstown
Sunday, January 1, 2023
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Join us for a walk to welcome the New Year along Lake Ontario where we’ll see migrating waterfowl and traverse the trail along the shore.
For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.
Fort Ontario
Oswego
Sunday, January 1, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Take a self-guided tour around the Fort Ontario Military Reservation and learn about, “BUFFALO SOLDIERS, FORT ONTARIO, AND OSWEGO’S BLACK BELT” 1908 – 1911. Dress warm and add a layer!
For more information please call (315) 343-4711.
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 really 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 isn’t allowed to 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 you are at the campsite or on the trail, a foam sleeve like a koozie will help prevent the water from freezing in a bottle. Nothing warms your body or your spirits like warm liquid by a campfire. Boil water to take with you as you hike. Also, to keep water from freezing, keep your water bottle on the inside of your jacket – properly sealed, of course.
Wear sunscreen.
While this is most important if you are hiking in a snowy region, winter hikers often forget about the sun’s glare reflecting off of white snow.
Be prepared for shorter days.
As early as October, dusk settles earlier and more quickly than in the summer. Have a good idea of the usable daylight hours before going hiking. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
In addition to these tips and hints, remember to follow normal safety practices as well 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 so you can stay safe.
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Where is your favorite place for a first day hike?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Last year’s pond hike in Letchworth was great. It was frigid but all the trees were coated with fresh snow. The Greenway Trail is kinda dull. Doing Hamlin this year.
I agree the rail trails can be dull, especially in winter. I do love the intersection at Wadsworth Juntion of the Greenway and Lehigh Valley Trail. This time of year man-made elements win the day for most interesting! The bridges over the river on the LV in Rush and the Erie & Attica are nice landmarks. This hike goes north though. I wish I could go this year as I would also like to do Hamlin.