These first day hike programs get you outside with other families for a healthy, happy start to the New Year.
First Day Hikes in Westchester
Start the New Year off right with some quality time with Mother Nature. Here’s where you and the family can take some fun first day hikes in Westchester. And what’s even better all events are free!
First Day Bird ID Hike
Start off the year and your bird list, with an invigorating walk along the Hudson River shoreline at Rockwood Hall. Dress warmly and bring binoculars. Meet at the parking lot near Rockwood. Beginners encouraged. 9 am on Jan 1, 2020. Reservations not required.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville. 914–631–1470. parks.ny.gov
John Jay First Day Hike
Kick-start your New Year’s resolutions with a first-day hike on the grounds of John Jay Homestead. Warm-up by the bonfire with a cup of hot cocoa and browse their Holiday Shop’s end-of-season sale. For weather-based cancellation information please visit johnjayhomestead.org after 10 am on the day of the program. 1–2 pm on Jan 1, 2020. Reservations not required.
John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232–5651. johnjayhomestead.org
FDR First Day Hike
Join the Friends of FDR State Park to visit the lesser-known side of the park. Enjoy a brisk walk and visit the bridges built in 2016 and 2017. Meet at the pool parking lot near the bench at the northern end. 10:30 am. Jan 1, 2020. Reservations not required.
FDR Park, Section 2C, 2957 Crompond Rd., Yorktown. 914–962–7500. parks.westchestergov.com
Croton Gorge First Day Hike
Greet the New Year with an easy two-mile total loop hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Listen to the leader discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam, the trailhead of the Aqueduct trail. Meet near the restrooms in the parking lot. Noon on Jan 1, 2020. Reservations required.
Croton George Park, Rte. 129, Cortland. 914–862–5290. parks.westchestergov.com
Hudson Highlands First Day Hike
Take a one-mile hike on Little Stony Point or a three-mile hike on Cornish Estate Trail, then enjoy some hot cocoa, eat some snacks and sing songs at the grand opening of the new Volunteer Center at Little Stony Point. 11 am–2 pm on Jan 1, 2020. Reservations not required.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845–534–5506. hhnm.org.
Psst … you can also enjoy winter sports in Westchester County parks!
