Community Corner

Start 2014 Right with a 'First Day Hike'

Choose one of these local options and join hundreds of New Yorkers who have made this a new tradition.

"A new year for many of us symbolizes a fresh start," says the invite from Frends of FDR State Park. 

"Some of us have had a difficult year and a new start is exactly what we need. Others have felt truly blessed and we look forward to what blessings 2014 has in store for us. Many of us create new year resolutions as a way to try and promote our fresh starts. We set goals such as being healthier, traveling to a new place or spending more time with loved ones. January 1st gives us a renewed sense of energy and purpose. There is something hopeful about the idea of a new beginning. 

"Please join us on January 1st for the "First Day Hike" and take your first step towards a healthier you!"

Find out what's happening in Port Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here are some choices for New Year's Day hikes on both sides of the Hudson River.


First Day Hike - New Year's Day Snowshoe Waterfall Outing
Wednesday, January 01, 2014 01:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Phone: (845) 255-0752

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an approximately 2 1/2 mile snowshoe hike along the scenic Awosting Falls carriage road. Leaving from the Peter's Kill Parking Area, we'll walk uphill past stacked slabs of quartz conglomerate and along the frozen Peter's Kill stream to reach our final destination, the 65-foot-tall Awosting Falls. If conditions are cold enough, the waterfall forms a frozen volcano-like shape that grows and changes with every new stream of water. If there is no snow, this outing will be a hike.

Find out what's happening in Port Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Snowshoes may be reserved for this program for a fee of $5 per person. Early arrival is necessary for people who reserve rentals.

Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and footwear and bring snacks and water. This family program is recommended for physically fit adults and children older than eight years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian over the age of 18.

Pre-registration is required and early sign up is recommended as this program may fill to capacity. The fee for parking is $8 per car.

Registration: Required

First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 01, 2014 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Phone: (914) 245-4434

Join Walkable Westchester authors Jane and Walt Daniels for a 2-2.5 mile walk through the park. A sneak preview of the second edition will include some stories about how a hiking book is written and parks in Westchester County. As a bonus, Jane and Walt will talk about a project to expand places to walk in FDR Park. Dress warmly!


First Day Hike 
Wednesday, January 01, 2014 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area
Phone: (518) 329-3993

Join the Friends of Taconic State Park at the Historic Copake Ironworks for a hike starting at 1pm. Hike to majestic Bash Bish Falls and back on a new trail blazed on I Love My Parks Day. Warm up after the hike with a hot cocoa reception and bonfire. Share laughs around the campfire and check out the amazing work that has been done to restore the Iron Furnace, a unique landmark in the community, and visit the Machine Shop and Museum.

This hike is suitable for all ages and pets with a leash. Please feel free to bring snowshoes if the weather permits, or borrow a pair free of charge at the park office. Snowshoes are available all winter at the park office, please call ahead to reserve. For more information, please visit The Friends of Taconic State Park's website www.friendsoftsp.org, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FriendsofTSP or call the park office (518) 329-3993.


First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 01, 2014 02:00 PM
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Phone: (845) 454-1190

Participants (walkers, cyclists, runners, & skaters) can meet at either the west or east entrance gates to the Walkway at 2 p.m. and choose to do a 1.25 or 2.5 mile walk, ride, skate or run. All ages are welcome. Be sure to dress warm!

*All participants will be entered in a raffle to win 2 tickets to Walkway's 4th of July Firework Celebration 2014. Raffle will be held at center of the Walkway at 2:30 p.m. When both groups (west side and east side) meet at the center of the Walkway.

Pre-registration is not necessary, but for those who plan to attend, please emailFredinHV@aol.com or call 845-454-1190 so additional information about event amenities can be shared if needed.


First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 01, 2014 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Phone: (914) 631-1470

Come with the Saw Mill River Audubon along on our 5th Annual New Year's Day Walk at Rockwood Hall. One or more bald eagles are likely. A great way to start off your 2014 bird list.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here