In the Hudson Valley, New York, visitors and residents have the option to start the new year with a hike on one of the scenic trails in their state park.
This past week, Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to check out the 13th annual First Day Hikes program at the start of 2024, which is a statewide program that offers varied hike options for people to enjoy at more than 80 locations in New York.
As New York State Parks celebrate their centennial in 2024, Hochul emphasized the value in enjoying them. “New York’s public lands are something to behold,” she stated. “We lead the nation on state public lands, and we house the nation’s oldest state park.”
The walks/hikes at Hudson Valley and other First Day Hike spots are family friendly and typically range from 1 to 5 miles depending on the locations and climate conditions.
Between state parks, historic sites, DEC state lands, wildlife areas, forest preserves, canal trails, and environmental education centers, New York state has more than 90 hikes to offer people searching for an active start to 2024.
In the Hudson Valley/Catskills alone, there are nearly 20 hiking destinations, including Bramley Mountain, the Catskills Visitor Center at Mount Tremper, F.D.R. State Park, Minnewaska State Park, Little Stony Point/Hudson Highlands State Park, and more.
For tips on how to best approach these outdoorsy excursions, the American Hiking Society offers some advice for newcomer hikers especially, going out in the cold weather. Their main tips include to dress in layers, wear a protective hat, keep your water bottle warm, use a sleeping bag liner if you’re camping, use sunscreen, and be prepared for shorter days when the sun goes down earlier.
All of these hiking trails are public and free of charge.
