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DEC Region 6 invites New Yorkers to Celebrate the
Start of 2026 with First Day Hikes
Published: December 26, 2025
at 08:00 a.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Region 6 invites New Yorkers to Celebrate the
Start of 2026 with First Day Hikes
Free Guided Hiking Events Offered in Oneida,
Jefferson, and St. Lawrence Counties to Ring in the New Year
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 6, in
collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting three First Day Hike
events on Thursday, January 1, 2026. First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers
to Get Offline, and Get Outside this holiday season, by
celebrating the New Year at State parks, historic sites, natural areas,
canal trails, environmental education centers, and various other public
lands across the Empire State. The 15th annual First Day Hikes program
offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at more than
115 locations throughout the state.
DEC, the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal
Corporation are partnering to host the many walks and hikes taking place on
New Years Day. A full list of New York State First Day Hikes,
location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional
information can be found online for DEC, Parks, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check
the details of their preferred host site and register where required.
DEC Region 6
staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the
public:
Oneida
County:
Utica Marsh
Wildlife Management Area
Date: January 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Please
arrive 10 minutes early to ensure there is enough parking.
Meet Up Location: Erie Canal
Trail Parking Area, 5625 Mohawk Street, Marcy, NY 13403 (GPS Coordinates:
43.134573, -75.278335) Google Maps
Description: Join DEC
staff at the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area for a
four-mile scenic walk along the Erie Canal and adjacent wetlands, as we
look for local wildlife thriving in Central New York at the turn of the New
Year. There is a wildlife viewing platform at the end of the hike where we
will stop to look for wildlife in the ponds, particularly waterfowl. Registration
is required.
Difficulty Level: Flat
terrain, with pavement along the entire route.
Special Instructions: Be prepared
for winter weather and cool winds by bringing appropriate winter clothing
and boots. An umbrella may be handy if it is raining. Please bring
binoculars or a spotting scope for wildlife viewing. All ages are
welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Registration Required: Contact
Daniel Ruggiero at daniel.ruggiero@dec.ny.gov or (315) 866-6330 ext.
132 by Tuesday, December 30.
Point of Contact for Inquiries: Daniel
Ruggiero daniel.ruggiero@dec.ny.gov;
(315) 866-6330 ext. 132
Jefferson
County:
Winona State
Forest: CCC Loop Trail Hike with the Winona Forest Recreation Association
Date: January 1,
2026
Time: 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Please
arrive early.
Meet Up Location: Winona
Forest CCC Camp Parking Area, County Road 90, Mannsville,
NY 13361 (GPS Coordinates: 43.712803, -75.970619) Google Maps
Description: Join DEC
staff and the Winona Forest Recreation Association for a
two-mile snowshoe on the CCC Loop Trail. We will pass through natural
hardwood forests and plantations established by Civil Conservation Corps
and hike along a portion of Skinner Creek. Depending on snow conditions, we
may modify the route or complete it as a hike instead. Registration
is encouraged but not required.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Depending on conditions, this will either be a hike or a snowshoe event.
Weather conditions may impact difficulty.
Special Instructions: Hikers
should be prepared for winter conditions, and bring snowshoes, proper
clothing, and water. There are other trails on the property for
participants to enjoy after the organized hike, if they would like. This
event may be cancelled if weather conditions pose a safety risk. All ages
welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash.
Registration Encouraged: Contact Michael
Giocondo at Michael.giocondo@dec.ny.gov or (315)
376-3521 by Tuesday, December 30.
Point of Contact for Inquiries: Michael
Giocondo Michael.giocondo@dec.ny.gov;
(315) 376-3521
St. Lawrence
County:
Mt. Arab Hike
with DEC, the Friends of Mt. Arab, and the New York State Outdoor Guide
Association
Date: January 1, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. -11 a.m. Please
arrive 15 minutes early.
Meet Up Location: Mt. Arab
Parking Area on Mt. Arab Road in the town of Piercefield (GPS Coordinates:
44.213689, -74.596110) Google Maps
Description: Join
Potsdam DEC Staff, members of the Friends of Mt. Arab, and New York State Outdoor Guide Association guide
Sheila Young for a two-mile round trip hike up Mt. Arab. Participants can
greet the New Year atop the 40-foot fire tower while enjoying the
frosty-clear view of Tupper Lake, Eagle Crag Lake, and Mt. Arab Lake. Registration
is required.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
There are places of steep incline, but they are generally short. Total
elevation gain is 750 feet over 1.0 mile, with an
average 14% slope.
Special Instructions: Please
bring plenty of water, a snack, extra layers, and a camera if desired.
Snowshoes or microspikes will be required
depending on the trail conditions. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved
pets are allowed on leash.
Registration required: Contact Tim
Otis at timothy.otis@dec.ny.gov or
(315) 265-3621 by Wednesday, December 31.
Point of Contact for Inquiries: Tim
Otis timothy.otis@dec.ny.gov;
(315) 265-3621
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