Start 2026 On The Right Foot: First Day Hikes Return To The Adirondacks
Winter in the Adirondacks.
Looking for a fresh start that doesn’t involve a gym signup, a juice cleanse, or swearing off carbs until February?
On New Year’s Day 2026 (Thursday, January 1), the Adirondacks are serving up the kind of reset that actually feels good: First Day Hikes—a statewide (and nationwide) tradition that invites everyone to kick off the year outdoors.
Now in its 15th year, New York’s First Day Hikes are hosted across state lands by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYS Parks, and partners—offering everything from mountain climbs to gentle nature walks (and yes, even cross-country ski options in some parts of the state).
Snowshoeing on the trails at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). Photo credit: SaranacLake.com (ROOST)
The Adirondack lineup is especially appealing: scenic summits, a winter-still marsh, a rail-trail stroll with causeway views, and a “hidden gem” pond hike that practically begs for a thermos toast.
Most hikes are family-friendly, typically 1–5 miles, and all DEC-led hikes are free. Translation: the only thing you need to invest in is warm layers—and maybe a celebratory hot chocolate afterward.
Why First Day Hikes are such an Adirondack move.
Winter is when the Adirondacks show off in a quieter, more cinematic way: snow-softened evergreens, frozen wetlands, bright-blue skies when the weather cooperates, and that crisp air that makes your lungs feel like they just got upgraded.
First Day Hikes are also wonderfully low-pressure. You’re not racing daylight or chasing a personal record—you’re simply stepping into the new year with movement, community, and a view.
Winter hiking offers amazing rewards.
And if you’ve never done one before? Consider this your official invitation. The vibe is welcoming, guided where noted, and built for real humans—not just the “I run ultramarathons for fun” crowd.
Adirondack First Day Hike locations and essential details.
Below are the Adirondack First Day Hikes scheduled for January 1, 2026, with the key details streamlined for easy scanning. (On ADKTaste.com, you can link each hike title below to its dedicated Events listing.)
Cat Mountain (Lake George region) – hike with ADK Mountain Club
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Meet-up: Edgecomb Pond Trailhead (Bolton area; see DEC directions in your event listing)
Distance: 4.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate; ~1,000 ft vertical gain
Highlights: Lake George views from the summit (Buck Mountain nearly due east)
Registration: Required (may fill; waiting list possible)
Good to know:
Lake George in Winter.
Microspikes/snowshoes may be needed (bring if you have them).
Pack food and water (a hot drink is encouraged), extra layers, and a headlamp, just in case.
Pets allowed on leash.
Contact to register: Steve Mackey — smackey33@verizon.net | (518) 338-8173
Best for: hikers who want a “real hike” with a payoff view—without an all-day commitment.
Adirondack Rail Trail (Saranac Lake) – winter stroll with ARTA
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Meet-up: Saranac Lake Union Depot parking area, 42 Depot St., Saranac Lake
Distance: 5 miles (out-and-back style stroll)
Difficulty: Easy; level surface, no elevation gain
Highlights: Lake Colby Causeway views—classic winter postcard material
Registration: Required (email by Saturday, December 27)
Good to know:
Snowshoeing is fantastic winter workout.
The trail is ADA-accessible, though winter conditions may affect the surface.
Snowshoes/microspikes provided if needed.
All ages welcome; pets allowed on leash.
Contact to register: Julia Goren — julia@adirondackrailtrail.org
Best for: families, casual walkers, visitors without winter hiking gear, and anyone easing into 2026 gently.
Lost Pond (Ticonderoga) – “feel found” with DEC staff
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Meet-up: Lost Pond Trailhead Parking Lot, Ticonderoga
Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate; gradual inclines (not steep), rest as needed
Highlights: A tucked-away Adirondack “hidden gem” pond
Registration: Not required
Good to know:
This trail can be muddy and icy in winter—footwear and traction are your best friends.
All ages welcome; pets allowed on leash.
Questions: Amanda Raymond — amanda.raymond@dec.ny.gov | (518) 681-2232
Best for: hikers who want a quieter, woodsy experience with a destination that feels like a secret.
Snowshoeing on the Paul Smith’s VIC trails.
Paul Smith’s College VIC – Heron Marsh Trail (Paul Smiths)
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Meet-up: Paul Smith’s College VIC, 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate; relatively flat with gentle hills
Highlights: Marsh views, wildlife spotting opportunities, frequent pause points
Registration: Not required
Good to know:
Snowshoes are required if conditions allow and can be borrowed free of charge through the VIC.
All ages welcome
Pets allowed on leash.
Questions: Forest Ranger Matthew Adams — matthew.adams@dec.ny.gov | (315) 832-2695
Best for: anyone who wants nature, views, and wildlife vibes—without a steep climb.
Silver Lake Mountain (Black Brook) – sunrise hike!
Wintery sunrise.
Start time: 6:00 am (arrive 15 minutes early)
Finish: Around 9:00 am (summit sunrise ~7:30 am)
Meet-up: Silver Lake Mountain Trailhead, Silver Lake Rd., Black Brook (near east end of Silver Lake)
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Short but moderately steep; ~900 ft elevation gain
Highlights: Sunrise + big views of Taylor Pond, Whiteface, and the northeastern Adirondacks
Registration: Required (register by Wednesday, December 31)
Good to know:
This is a dark-as-midnight start—headlamps are mandatory. Microspikes/crampons strongly recommended due to ice near the summit; trekking poles and snowshoes suggested.
Minimum age: 8.
No pets. Dress warmly—summit breezes are no joke.
Contact to register: Liam Foran — liam.foran@dec.ny.gov | (607) 422-9409
Best for: early risers, photographers, and anyone who wants their first sunrise of the year to be absolutely epic.
Lake Colby Conservation Education Camp (Saranac Lake) – beginner-friendly winter walk
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Meet-up: 90 Camp Colby Rd., Saranac Lake (parking instructions should be included in your Events listing)
Distance: 1 mile or less
Difficulty: Beginner; small hills, negligible elevation gain
Highlights: A bite-sized winter hike plus DEC educator insights on ecology, history, and camp programs
Registration: Not required
Good to know:
Bring snowshoes if you have them.
Dress for true Adirondack cold (this time of year can dip below 0°F).
All ages welcome.
No pets.
Questions: Charles Hayden — charles.hayden@dec.ny.gov | (518) 897-1207
Best for: families, first-timers, and anyone who wants “outdoorsy” without “exhausting.”
Tupper Lake in Winter as seen from Mt. Arab.
Mt. Arab (Piercefield) – fire tower views with DEC + partners
Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am (arrive 15 minutes early)
Meet-up: Mt. Arab Parking Area on Mt. Arab Rd., town of Piercefield
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate; ~750 ft gain over 1 mile (short, steeper sections)
Highlights: Ring in 2026 atop the Mt. Arab Fire Tower with expansive winter views of the Tupper Lake area
Registration: Required (register by Wednesday, December 31)
Good to know:
Snowshoes or microspikes may be required depending on conditions.
Bring water, a snack, extra layers, and a camera.
All ages welcome
Pets allowed on leash.
Contact to register: Tim Otis — timothy.otis@dec.ny.gov | (315) 265-3621
Best for: anyone who loves a fire tower moment—and wants a classic Adirondack view without a huge mileage day.
What to bring (so your “fresh start” stays fun).
A little winter prep goes a long way:
Cat Mountain 2025 First Day Hike. Photo courtesy NYS DEC.
Warm layers (base + insulating mid-layer + outer shell)
Waterproof winter boots + wool socks
Hat, gloves/mittens, neck gaiter
Water + snack (hot thermos beverages highly encouraged)
Traction (microspikes) and/or snowshoes if recommended
Headlamp (always smart; required for the sunrise hike), and it’s always good to bring two
For more information, visit the DEC website.
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