Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to start their year off with wellness at the forefront by participating in a First Day Hike for free. New Yorkers will have an opportunity to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” this holiday season, 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 on January 1, 2026. The 15th annual First Day Hikes program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at 117 locations across the state.

“Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors and put your mental and physical wellness first by joining our fellow New Yorkers for First Day Hikes,” Governor Hochul said. “A fantastic and affordable tradition, this s

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