‘Embrace the outdoors’: Parking is free for First Day Hikes

Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 17:21

Enterprise file photo — Melissa Hale-Spencer

In April, State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons, left, crouched down on the edge of the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher Park to examine fossils. This week, he urged New Yorkers to “embrace the outdoors this winter season.”

ALBANY COUNTY — Parking will be free on New Year’s Day at Thacher State Park and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

The state’s 14th annual First Day Hikes program is offering varied hiking options at nearly 100 locations across New York on Jan. 1. Governor Kathy Hochul has waived parking fees at all state parks to increase access to these events on New Year’s Day.

Admission to state park grounds is always free.

Four different hikes are being offered at Thacher as part of the program and three hikes are being offered at Five Rivers.

Most walks and hikes are family-friendly, and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. More than 120 individual hikes are being offered at state parks, historic sites, canal trails, natural areas, and environmental education centers.

Besides the hikes at Thacher Park and Five Rivers, these other venues in the Capital Region are part of the Jan. 1 program: Adirondack Ultra Cycling at 160 Broad St. in Schuylerville; and Grafton Lakes State Park in Grafton.

Also: Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort; Mine Kill State Park in North Blenheim; Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes; Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs; Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter.

“First Day Hikes are a family-friendly tradition that offer a great way to embrace the outdoors this winter season and allow us to take a break and understand the importance of the connection nature and outdoor recreation has to our physical and mental wellness,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons in a release from the governor’s office.

A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for  Parks,  DEC, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.

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