No New Year’s Eve partying for you? That’s great. You’ll stay safe and feel rejuvenated for New Year’s Day. One great way to spend January 1 is on a first day hike at a New York State park, where you can follow along guided tours, do a little bird watching, or simply stroll along well-trodden trails.
Whether you’re setting the intention to get out and about more in 2025 or you just love a good winter hike, these are prime options for an excursion.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Pleasantville
Janurary 1, 9-11 a.m.
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Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers a glorious first day hike. The 9 a.m. stroll along the Hudson River also crosses the beautiful landscapes of Rockwood Hall. Larry Trachtenberg of the Saw Mill River Audubon Society guides the walk, pointing out bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and other wildlife along the way. Be sure to register in advance.
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Yorktown Heights
January 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
No reservations are required for this brisk, two-mile hike. Located in the heart of Westchester County, it’s a great choice for hikers traveling from the Big Apple. Guide Terence Ducey will take hikers through a fun and fact-filled trail after meeting up in the north end of the pool parking lot.
Olana State Historic Site
Hudson
January 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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When better to discover the beauty of Frederic Edwin Church’s architectural masterpiece than on New Year’s Day? Attendees must register in advance online to partake in one of two first day hikes at Olana. Explore the property’s 250 acres of winter landscape and learn about the 19th-century artist Frederic Church on a guided hike from 1-2 p.m., or get up early with your pup for a 10 a.m. hike with man’s best friend.
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Cold Spring
January 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Celebrate the arrival of 2025 at the majestic Hudson Highlands with a choice of two different hikes along the Hudson River in Cold Spring. Head to the shoreline at Little Stony Point at 11 a.m. for free cocoa and a one-mile naturalist-led hike, or venture to nearby Cornish Estate historic site for a three-mile hike on easy to moderate terrain.
Walkway Over the Hudson
Highland
January 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Join the historic Walkway Over the Hudson for its 14th annual first day hike. Come out for the amazing views and opt for either a short walk to the flagpole, or a longer three-mile loop that travels along the Walkway, down the elevator, along the Hudson River, over the Mid-Hudson Bridge, and back to the Highland park via Haviland Road. Leashed pets are welcome, but are not allowed on the Mid-Hudson Bridge and therefore cannot participate in the loop hike.
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park at Croton Reservoir and Dam
Dobbs Ferry
January 1, 1-3 p.m.
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This easy, breezy, two-mile loop around the Old Croton Aqueduct is certainly not short on views. Not only will you be spending time around nature, but you’ll get to see an iconic Westchester landmark for yourself. How better to start off your year than with a bit of nature and history?
Taconic State Park — Copake Falls Area
Copake Falls
January 1, 1-3 p.m.
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There’s nothing like a brisk waterfall hike on New Year’s Day. Ring in the new year on this four-mile guided hike out to Bash Bish Falls on the border of Massachusetts, and warm up afterward with a bonfire and hot chocolate at the park office. The event is rain, snow, or shine, so bring your ice spikes in the event of snow. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Siuslaw Model Forest — Cornell Cooperative Extension
Acra
January 1, 2-3:30 p.m.
Hike through the woods at Siuslaw Model Forest in Greene County to enjoy spectacular winter views of the Catskills. Program director Becky Polmateer will guide participants through the family-friendly trail, and registration is required in advance for the free hike.
