This year marks the 10th anniversary of the First Day Hikes program. Come safely spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and requirements for safe outdoor recreation, the event options for hikes range from self-guided treks to small staff or volunteer-led hikes allowing participants the time and space to social distance while still enjoying nature's winter wonders.
Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and pre-register. Masks or face coverings are mandatory, and capacity restrictions may limit participation so have some alternate locations in mind.
Plumbottom State Forest - 11:00 a.m.
Town of Amity, Allegany
County
Contact Forest Ranger Justin
Thaine (585) 415-1521 call or text or email Justin.thaine@dec.ny.gov for hike
time and registration.
Get off the beaten path on
New Year's Day 2021 to explore one of Allegany County's hidden gems, Plumbottom
State Forest. A guided backcountry hike will be led by a Forest Ranger and a
Forester, both of the DEC. Phillips Creek, two ponds, and a scenic vista will
be found along the way. Snowshoes are encouraged if there is snow depth;
however due to the mostly off trail nature of the hike, skis may be cumbersome.
There are no facilities at the site. However, there are convenience stores /
gas stations in the nearby Village of Belmont. The event could be canceled or
postponed due to inclement weather (high wind, extreme cold, snowstorm, ice,
etc.). Maximum participants: 15, due to COVID-19 precautions. Therefore,
serious registrants only, please. However, a second date may be scheduled if
significant additional interest exists.
Meet and check in at
Plumbottom State Forest, Town of Amity, Allegany County, Reddy Road, at
intersection of Saunders Hill Road, which is about 0.5 mile from State Route
244.
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Ring in the New Year with a
delightful walk along Genesee Valley Greenway State Park in Cuba! Enjoy a
relaxing, easy trail and spectacular views along Griffin and Oil Creeks. 2.5
miles round trip. Meet at the trail head on Bull St (42.216592, -78.283329) for
a self-guided hike. Between the hours of 12:00-3:00, interpreter extraordinaire
Michale Landowski will be on site for Q&A. Also, during that timeframe, The
Palmer Opera House will hand out snack bags both at the trail head and for
those visiting the Palmer (12 Main St, 1/2 mile from the trail head) for warmth
and restrooms.
This is a free event and
pre-registration is not required. Leashed pets are allowed to join the fun. In
case of severe weather, please check our Facebook page "Genesee Valley
Greenway State Park" for event status. Dress weather appropriate and
please follow all current Covid-19 guidelines appropriate for indoor and
outdoor activity. If there is snow, feel free to bring snowshoes and/or skis.
For more information, please
contact Kristine Uribe, Park Manager (585) 493-3614 or
Kristine.Uribe@parks.ny.gov.
