Adirondack First Day Hikes 2023
Want to accomplish something great in 2023? Why not get it over early on New Year’s Day with a hike.
View of Lake George from Prospect Mountain
New Year’s comes with a lot of baggage. First, New Year’s Eve is supposed to be some kind of greatest night on the face of the earth, and if you’re not partying with Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Prince Harry, Bono, LeBron James, and Oprah, you’re a total loser. Not so!
And then, on New Year’s Day, you may be coaxed into diving into icy waters to purify your soul in a so-called Polar Bear Dip or Plunge. Again, slow your roll, Homie.
That’s why we advocate checking out First Day Hikes. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Canal Corporation invite New Yorkers to kick off 2023 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State. Excelsior! Other states offer similar events.
First Day Hikes allow participants to accomplish something significant on the first day of the year, giving them some breathing room before they need to achieve another milestone.
We can’t believe this is the 12th year for this event, and we’re just hearing about it now, but that’s not entirely surprising. To be perfectly candid, we’re satisfied drinking Bloody Marys and watching College Bowl games on New Year’s Day, so we’ve looked no further for recreation on January 1. But we have lots of ambitious friends, and it’s for them that we wish for a better alternative to an instant-heart-attack-plunge in an Adirondack lake or other cold body of water.
New York State's 2023 program includes options for hikes ranging from self-guided treks to staff - or volunteer-led hikes, with some locations offering multiple options allowing people the time and space to enjoy nature's winter wonders. In the ADK, the First Day Hike agenda includes:
For all of these events, registration is required. The group sizes may be limited, so be sure to check the registration information before you go.
We would be remiss if we didn’t remind our readers that hiking in the winter is no joke. If you’ve never done it before, we urge you to read up and take all necessary precautions, like those recommended in this article.
Among the most basic tips experts advocate for are:
Dress to stay warm and dry - Staying dry is key when hiking in cold weather. Never wear cotton or jeans, as they will retain moisture and could potentially lead to hypothermia. Moisture-wicking materials such as wool, fleece, and synthetics will transport sweat away from the skin rather than holding it there. These materials will also dry faster. Wool socks will keep your feet comfortable, warm, and dry.
Bring extra layers
Pack food, or at least a snack, and water
Wear proper footwear and traction aids — Microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes are always recommended.
Use trekking poles for added support
Pack a map, compass, &/or GPS device — If you are relying on your cellphone, pack a backup battery
Tell someone about your plans even if you’re going with others
DO NOT LEAVE THE GROUP
These are very basic tips. We highly recommend, nay demand, you do further research before setting out on a hike. Even if you’ve hiked in winter before, read up and be prepared. You do not want to wind up a feature on the ADK Fun Police’s Insta feed.