Pick a 'First Day Hike' in the Hudson Valley

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will sponsor 28 guided hikes in state parks and historic sites on New Year’s Day for the fourth annual First Day Hikes program.

There are five Hudson Valley hikes planned by the state:

• John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah; 1pm; (914) 232-5651
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson; 10am; (845) 255-0752
• Rockland Lake State Park, Congers; 10am; (917) 579-0785
• Taconic State Park, Copake Falls; 1pm; (518) 329-3993
• Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie/Highland; 2pm; (845) 454-9649

In addition, the Friends of FDR Park in Yorktown are offering one of their own.

The nationwide initiative championed by America’s State Parks and the American Hiking Society offers the opportunity for participants to celebrate the holiday by creating memories and enjoying the outdoors.

Participants can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of the season and spectacular vistas, and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable guide. State park staff and volunteers will lead these family-friendly walks and hikes, which average one to three miles or longer depending on the location. Many hikes will be offering refreshments, and new this year, State Parks will provide pre-registered participants with free, commemorative fleece caps and First Day Hike stickers.

Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain, registration requirements and additional information are listed at www.nysparks.com.

PHOTO: NYS parks department