Step Into 2024 With A First Day Hike
Why not start off 2024 on the right (or left, it doesn’t really matter) foot? The Rural Intelligence region augurs a happy (fingers crossed) new year with a passel of “First Day” hikes. Most are guided, and some provide the hot chocolate at the end. First Day Hikes, which originated in Massachusetts and are sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, are now part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks. See you on a local trail January 1.
First Day Hike with the “Dogs of Olana,” Hudson
10-11 a.m.
While some of the hikes invite your pup to tag along, Olana State Historic Site in Hudson has set aside an hour devoted to letting your dog take the lead. This special pup-friendly hike invites you to experience the winter landscape at Olana 250-acres with your furry friend in tow. All dogs must be kept on a leash during their time at Olana and the site is a carry-in, carry-out facility. The hike begins at the Wagon House Education Center at the historic farm complex at the bottom of the site and covers about one mile with an uphill portion. It’s free, but registration is required, and dogs must be on a six-foot leash. (And don’t forget to submit a photo to dogsofolana on Instagram!) Free, registration required.
Phoro courtesy of The Olana Partnership
First Day Hike at Olana, Hudson
1-2 p.m.
Put your full attention on the expansive view at Olana during this special hike of the winter landscape (it's a good opportunity to learn more about Olana’s winter exhibition, “Spectacle: Frederic Church and the Business of Art). Hot beverages and sketching materials will be provided in the Wagon House Education Center from 1-3 p.m. as part of Artmaking in the Afternoon. The hike begins at the Wagon House Education Center at the historic farm complex at the bottom of the site and covers about 1 mile with an uphill portion. Free, registration required.
Greenport Conservation Area, Hudson
3:30-4:30 p.m.
This guided First Day Walk starts a little later than most others so you can take in the first sunset of the year that heightens the view of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. The group will walk just over a mile along the Access for All Trail, which is flat and covered in gravel. Leashed, social dogs are welcome. There’s a suggested $5 donation which goes to support the Columbia Land Conservatory so it can continue to offer these kinds of programs at no cost. Register here.
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
11 a.m.
The park staff leads a hike on the woodland trail within Mills State Park (the historic grounds of Staatsburgh State Historic Site). The 1.2-mile moderate hike will launch from near the mansion and include a visit to a small, little-known cemetery in the woods. The hike will return near the mansion for optional cocoa, courtesy of the Friends of Mills at Staatsburgh. Leased pets are welcome, too. Free, minimum age 12. Registration is required.
Taconic State Park: Copake Falls
1 p.m.
This is a guided, moderate four-mile round-trip hike out to Bash Bish Falls from the Copke Falls Park office. Reward for your efforts is a bonfire and hot chocolate. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Meet at the park office.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie
1-3 p.m.
The Walkway is hosting its 13th Annual First Day Hike. Start the 1.28 mile walk on East or West side and meet in the middle for picture taking. Leashed pets are welcomed. Free, no registration required.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to an open house at the Visitor Center and to take yourself on a self-guided, two-mile, easy-to-moderate tour that begins at the visitor center. There’ll be a fire and hot chocolate waiting for you when you return. Free, recommended for ages 7 and older. Dogs are welcome on a 10-foot maximum leash.
Boyd Woods Sanctuary, Litchfield
10:30 a.m.
Rich and Debbie Martin will lead a two-mile-or-so hike through the woods on terrain with moderate difficulty. You might see a saw-whet owl, a red-shouldered hawk, a pileated woodpecker, and who knows what else. Meet at the Boyd Woods parking lot off Route 254 in Litchfield. Dogs are not included in this one.
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