ALBANY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 5, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting six First Day Hike events Thursday.
First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers to “Get Offline and Get Outside” this holiday season by celebrating the New Year at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers and various other public lands across the state, according to a press release.
The 15th annual First Day Hikes program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at more than 115 locations statewide. The DEC; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host these walks and hikes. A full list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online.
In the North Country, DEC Region 5 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:
Essex County
Lost Pond: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet Up Location: Lost Pond Trailhead parking lot, Ticonderoga
Description: Join DEC staff for a 3.7-mile backcountry hike to Lost Pond, a hidden gem tucked away in the Adirondacks. Registration is not required.
Difficulty Level: This hike doesn’t get very steep at any point on the route but has gradual inclines. The trail is known to be muddy and can get icy in the winter. We will stop and rest when needed.
Special Instructions: Bring appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Contact: Email Amanda Raymond at amanda.raymond@dec.ny.gov or call 518- 681-2232.
Clinton County
Silver Lake Mountain: Hike starts at 6 a.m. to reach the summit for sunrise at 7:30 a.m. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The hike will finish around 9 a.m.
Meet Up Location: Silver Lake Mountain Trailhead, Silver Lake Road, Black Brook. Located on the north side of Silver Lake Road, 11 miles west of Au Sable Forks and near the east end of Silver Lake.
Description: Watch the sunrise on the first day of 2026 from Silver Lake Mountain. This 1.8-mile round trip hike led by DEC staff offers views of Taylor Pond, Whiteface Mountain and the northeastern Adirondacks from the summit. Registration is required.
Difficulty Level: This is a short hike, but it gains roughly 900 feet in elevation, making it moderately steep. There are a few sections of exposed bedrock and roots, but nothing terribly difficult to navigate. Every 0.3 miles or so there is a small clearing with a lookout, as well as plenty of rocks and logs to sit and rest on along the way.
Special Instructions: This is a sunrise hike. The group arrive at the trailhead, and climb the mountain in the dark. Headlamps are a necessity, as are microspikes or crampons due to ice near the summit. Snowshoes and trekking poles are recommended but not required as the trail will be packed down from moderate foot traffic. Dress warm, as there is often a breeze at the summit. Hikers must be at least 8 years old to participate in this hike. No pets are allowed on this hike.
Registration Required: Contact Liam Foran at liam.foran@dec.ny.gov or call 607-422-9409 by Wednesday.
Contact: Email Liam Foran at liam.foran@dec.ny.gov.
Franklin County
Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center — Heron Marsh Trail: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Meet Up Location: Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center, 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths.
Description: Join DEC Forest Ranger Matthew Adams for a 3-mile hike around Heron Marsh where there will be plenty of spots to stop, take in the view and look for wildlife. Registration is not required. This hike is hosted in partnership with Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center.
Difficulty Level: Moderate difficulty. The trail is fairly flat, with some gentle hills. There are some benches and viewing areas along the way for those who would like to stop and rest.
Special Instructions: Be prepared with good footwear, warm clothes and layers. Snowshoes are required if conditions allow but will be provided for free through the VIC. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Contact: Email Matthew Adams at matthew.adams@dec.ny.gov or call 315-832-2695.
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Lake Colby Conservation Education Camp: 1 to 3 p.m.
Meet Up Location: 90 Camp Colby Road, Saranac Lake. Coming from Saranac Lake, drive past the Lake Colby boat launch then turn left at the four-way intersection onto Pecks Corners Roads. Park on the left side of the road (the side with the stone wall) in a single file line as far over as possible. There is space to turn around further up the road. Once parked, walk through the gate down the paved driveway into camp. The group will gather at the pavilion by the entrance.
Description: Visit Camp Colby to engage with DEC Environmental Educators and learn about the Camp’s ecology, history and programs. All are welcome on this short, 1-mile or less, beginner and family friendly hike. Registration is not required.
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly hike. Only small hills with negligible elevation gain. There are spots to rest along the way, and the group will make frequent stops to discuss the surrounding ecology and program materials.
Special Instructions: Attendees should bring snowshoes if they have them. Dress warmly and for the weather as it is frequently below zero degrees during the day this time of year. There will be educational materials and information about the camp’s program before and after the hike. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike.
Contact: Email Charles Hayden at Charles.hayden@dec.ny.gov or call 518-897-1207.
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Adirondack Rail Trail: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet Up Location: Saranac Lake Union Depot Parking Area, 42 Depot St., Saranac Lake.
Description: Join the Adirondack Rail Trail Association for a 5-mile winter stroll along the Adirondack Rail Trail, across the Lake Colby Causeway with beautiful views. Registration is required.
Difficulty Level: No elevation gain with a level trail surface. The trail is ADA Accessible, but winter weather may affect conditions. There are spots where attendees can sit and rest if needed.
Special Instructions: Dress for winter weather. If snowshoes or microspikes are needed, they will be provided. All ages welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Registration Required: Email Julia Goren at julia@adirondackrailtrail.org by today.
Contact: Email Julia Goren at julia@adirondackrailtrail.org.