Family-friendly First Day Hikes to celebrate New Year’s Day 2025 in

Looking for a cool way to bring in the new year? Try celebrating outside this year with a First Day Hike in the Hudson Valley, the perfect way to start 2025 feeling renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

The state of New York will offer more than 120 different First Day Hikes at its many parks, historic sites, canal trails, environmental education centers and Department of Environmental Conservation natural areas— all in an effort to get more people outdoors to celebrate the holiday.

“There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with family and friends at a First Day Hike,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement of this year’s programming. These chilly challenges are a great way to “experience and enjoy the winter beauty of New York’s amazing scenic landscapes,” she said.

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The tradition, now more than 30 years old, started in 1992 in Massachusetts when 380 people gathered just outside of Boston to revel in the wonderful world of nature. This upcoming New Year 2025 will be the Empire State’s 14th year participating in the nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks.

And these family-friendly excursions are free for all New York State Parks this year, thanks to Hochul’s decision to waive parking fees in an effort to increase participation in these events. (Admission to State Park grounds is always free.)

So grab your gear and get ready to trek. Read on for five fun First Day Hikes in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

(Make sure to check the individual event websites for important details on how to sign up, where to meet and what to wear. Safety first!)

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Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Bird lovers unite! This 1.5-mile trek will be guided by a member of the Sawmill River Audubon Society, who will be pointing out winter birds like both bald eagles and red tailed hawks. Registration required, sign up using the Rockefeller State Park Preserve’s Eventbrite page at bit.ly/3VT53F7.

When: 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Where: Rockwood Hall parking lot, Phelps Way, Pleasantville.

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For more information: Check out the NYS Parks website at bit.ly/3DnMVgf.

Bear Mountain State Park (Palisades Region)

This Palisades celebration is perfect for people who are looking for a hike with a great view. Registration is not required for this event.

When: 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Where: Bear Mountain Inn, 3020 Seven Lakes Dr., Tomkins Cove.

For more information: Head to the NYS Parks website at bit.ly/4gMdkms to learn more.

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (Taconic Region)

This 2-mile guided route is great for those who are looking to learn more about the area and the outdoors. Registration is not required for this hike.

When: 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Where: FDR State Park, 2957 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Heights.

For more information: Go online to bit.ly/4gsAY7O to learn more.

Hudson Highlands State Park

This event has two options: one scenic hike along the Hudson, and one hike to the Cornish Estate/Farm Ruins. Plus, it offers coffee, cocoa and camaraderie — “there will be warm fire pits and music to entertain all,” the event website reads. Registration not required.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Where: Washburn Trail on Bull Hill Parking Lot, 3011 NY-9D, Cold Spring.

For more information: Check out the NYS Parks website at bit.ly/49Pjm3i.

Croton Gorge Park

This is another great guided option for people who are looking to learn on New Year’s. The hike will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam. Registration required.

When: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Where: Croton Gorge Park, Rte. 129, Cortlandt.

For more information: Check out event’s webpage at aqueduct.org/event/?id=264 to register and learn more.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New Year 2025: First Day hikes to check out in Hudson Valley NY

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