2026: Start The New Year With Free ‘First Day Hikes’

2026 is quickly approaching, before we know it we'll be closing the book on 2025 and looking ahead to what a fresh new year might have in store for us. This is obviously the time of year where many people begin to reflect on their accomplishments (or lack there of) from the past 365 days, and make some plans for the year ahead.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul is inviting New Yorkers to start the new year off on the right foot, literally, with First Day Hikes.

Get our free mobile app

Get Offline, Get Outside In The New Year

This annual tradition, which enters its 15th year, invites New York residents to take advantage of free events at more than 115 state parks, historic sites, DEC natural areas and environmental education centers, canal trails and other public lands.

The events take place on Thursday, January 1st, New Year's Day, as part of a push to make mental and physical wellness part of a New Year's tradition across the state. Governor Hochul, in a statement about the more than 100 offerings as part of First Day Hikes, shared the following:

Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors and put your mental and physical wellness first by joining our fellow New Yorkers for First Day Hikes. A fantastic and affordable tradition, this special event allows us to find comfort in the winter beauty of our public lands while also creating opportunities to connect with our communities, friends, and families, distraction free.

First Day Hikes are part of the Governor's Get Offline, Get Outside initiative.

SEE ALSO: Classic Christmas Movies Return To Big Screens For Limited Run

First Day Hikes, New Year's Day

In addition to The Governor's Office, The NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration, as well as the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Canal Corporation are involved in hosting the various events across the state on January 1st. To ensure access for all, normal parking fees at state parks and sites are waived on the first day of the year.

Hikes range from one to five miles long, and registration information for one of the many events taking place for First Day Hikes can be found here. Some local options include Bear Mountain State Park, FDR State Park, Kaaterskill Rail Trail, Minnewaska State Preserve and the Walkway Over The Hudson.