Join New York's First Day Hikes Across State Parks

Are you ready for the new year? 2026 is almost here! We hope only the best for you and your family in the new year.

So, how about a hike to usher in 2026? Yes, the annual New York State Department of Environmental Conservation First Day Hike events will be on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

According to the NYS DEC, First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” 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.

This is the 15th year of the New York State First Day Hikes program, and features many hiking options for all experience levels. Hikes will occur at over 115 locations throughout the Empire State.

So, where are the closest First Day hikes from the Binghamton area? Here are three that we found:

Central New York Region

Bowman Lake State Park and McDonough State Forest: Kopac Trail

This hike takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features multiple hiking options. Meet up at 745 Bliven Sherman Road in Oxford at the Nature Center cabin at Bowman Lake State Park.

The hike is a 5-mile out-and-back hike from Bowman Lake, Kopac Pond, and Whaley Pond, on relatively level ground in the forested public lands of Bowman Lake State Park and McDonough State Forest, according to the NYS DEC.

Difficulty ranges from gentle to moderate with some stream crossings. The DEC notes that there are routes available for the beginning hiker and longer ones for more advanced enthusiasts. Hike distances range between 2 and 7 miles, depending on the selected route.

Rogers Environmental Education Center

Two hikes will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., meeting at the Rogers Visitor Center, located at 2721 State Route 80 in Sherburne, in the main parking lot adjacent to the Rogers Center, on State Route 80.

According to the NYS DEC, hikers can choose between a gentle 1.4-mile loop beside Channels Marsh and the Chenango River, or a more challenging 1.1-mile route to the Farm Tower for scenic views of the valley in winter. Registration is not required.

The Hike 1 difficulty level is an easy 1.4-mile loop of flat terrain bordering Channels Marsh and the edge of the Chenango River.

The Hike 2 difficulty level is a moderate 1.1-mile loop, including a moderately steep uphill to the Farm Tower with views of the surrounding valley.

Finger Lakes Region

Sugar Hill State Forest

This hike will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., meeting at the Sugar Hill Recreation Area Parking Lot. From Schuyler County Route 23, go south on Tower Hill Road; from Schuyler County Route 16, go north on County Route 21, then west on Tower Hill Road. The entrance is on the south side of Tower Hill Road.

Featuring a 6.5-mile loop where you will hike past the Sugar Hill Fire Tower. The difficulty Level is Moderate. Hikers will be able to sit and rest at the fire tower and lean-tos.

For the full list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements, and additional information, visit the NYS DEC website. Happy New Year, and enjoy that hike!