The Peru Gazette

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the First Day Hikes program. Spend time in the outdoors safely this holiday season and celebrate at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2021. Find a hike near you by visiting DEC’s First Day Hikes page or the State Parks website.

Adirondack First Day Hikes:

• SUNY ESF Newcomb Adirondack Interpretive Center, Town of Newcomb, Essex County
  • Email aic@esf.edu for hike time and registration. Snowshoes must be requested in advance.
  • Enjoy a first-day hike or snowshoe on the 4-mile round trip trail up Goodnow Mountain. The Goodnow Mountain trail ascends approximately 900 feet over 2 miles and features gorgeous views into the High Peaks from a 60-ft fire tower on the summit. The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours. Please note that the fire tower cab is closed and off-limits, but visitors can still enjoy views from the fire tower stairs.
• Paul Smith’s Visitor Center, Town of Paul Smiths, Franklin County
  • Call (518) 327-6241 for hike time and registration.
  • Join seasonal naturalist Jesse Rock for a guided walk around Heron Marsh (approximately 3 miles) to learn about winter wetland ecology.
• Champlain Area Trails, Town of Essex, Essex County
  • Call (518) 962-2287 for hike time and registration.
  • Come take a First Day Hike at Wildway Overlook.
• Poke-O-Moonshine Ranger’s Trail, Town of Lewis, Essex County
  • Call Kimberly Smith, (315) 813-4407, by 12/31 to register or with questions.
  • Poke-O-Moonshine (elevation 2180′). 3.8-mile hike roundtrip, 1,292 feet of total elevation gain. Steep with moderate difficulty. Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m.