Time to get off the couch for your First Day Hike!

The first day of the new year is often the time when people either create or begin putting into action their New Year’s resolutions. And if you haven’t thought about it yet, at least this can be a time for setting goals for the upcoming year. The first day of the new year is always special. It’s a day that feels full of optimism, opportunities, and untapped potential. There will never be a better time to get started and First Day Hikes in the Mohawk Valley can be just what’s needed to help kick off your new year!

What is a First Day Hike?

The tradition of the First Day Hike began over 30-years ago in 1992 at the Blue Hills Reservation just south of Boston. The original idea can be traced back to the late Patrick Flynn, the former supervisor at Blue Hills, came up with the original plan.

A good First Day Hike is a vigorous walk and a great way to start the new year on the right foot.  This is the best  time to get off the couch—perhaps between football games. Or maybe get outdoors, enjoy nature, spend time with family and friends and start putting a new healthy habit into practice. So, start working on your New Year’s resolutions, what ever they may be.

Four First Day Hikes in the Mohawk Valley

As the idea of First Day Hikes spread across the county, local First Day Hikes have taken root here in the Mohawk Valley.

First Day Hike – Glimmerglass State Park (Otsego County) runs from at 10 am – dusk. This is a self-guided hike.

First Day Hike – Gilbert Lake State Park (Otsego County) runs from 9:00am until 12noon. This is a self-guided hike.

First Day Hike – The Rogers Center (Otsego County) runs from 10:00am until 11:30am, This is a guided hike, no dogs please.

First Day Hike – Herkimer Home State Historic Site (Herkimer County) starts at 1:00pm along Erie Canalway Trial. This is about a 2-mile, self-guided hike where dogs and snow shoes are welcome.

This is the first year we have included First Day Hikes in the Mohawk Valley. We hope to add more each year!

First Day Hikes in New York State

To help us all join in our own First Day Hike, the  NY State Department of Environmental Conservation has a page on their website dedicated to First Day Hikes in NY State.

The DEC, State Parks, and the Canal Corporation invite New Yorkers to kick off 2023 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State.

The 12th annual event includes options for hikes that are staff  or volunteer-led hikes, with some locations offering multiple options allowing people the time and space to enjoy natures’ winter wonders.

Most walks and hikes are family-friendly, and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions.

Are you planning to join a First Day Hike? Let us know how it goes and share some pics showing how much fun you’re having outside in the Mohawk Valley!