First Day Hikes have grown in popularity over recent years as people become more health conscious and want to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Jan. 1 promises to be a continuation of what Old Man Winter has been shoveling at us for the last few weeks. The temperature is predicted to be hovering in the 15- to 25-degree range with several inches of snow already on the ground.

For this area there are scheduled and unscheduled First Day Hikes.

At the Phillips Creek State Forest on Route 244 between Belmont and Alfred, starting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. (IMPACT) will host a First Day Hike on trails 1, 2, 3 and the Beginner Cross Country Ski Trail.

Camping headlamps will be provided for the first 50 registrants, and commemorative bandanas are available to the first 70 registrants. There will be a drawing for a $25 gift card, which can be used at DEC campground locations. Register by going to the organization’s Facebook page.

Hikers will head out at 11 a.m. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners.

For up to date trail conditions, upcoming events, or to join IMPACT and donate volunteer time and/or funds go to www.impactfriendsgroup.org or email impactfriendsgroup@gmail.com

Although close to home, any First Day Hikers on the DEC-owned WAG Trail are on their own.

The ungroomed scenic trail which roughly follows the Genesee River, skirts farmland and forests and offers a variety of woodland experiences with an abundance of wildlife. While it is open to hikers, cross-country skiers and snow shoeing, it is also available for snowmobiling.

The WAG Trail is a 9-mile multi-use recreational trail and historic transportation corridor in Allegany County that extends between the Village of Wellsville and the Pennsylvania state line following the route of the Wellsville, Addison and Galeton (WAG) Railroad along the upper Genesee River.

The WAG Trail roughly parallels NY Route 19. Parking is available at five locations: Carter Road (off Jack Bridge Road), Mapes Road (off County Route 29), Graves Road and two locations on Hawks Road and at Weidrick Road.

Nearby Letchworth State Park offers a variety of organized First Day Hikes start with a 7 to 8 a.m. First Day Sunrise Hike — See the first sunrise of 2026 from the Archery Field Overlook. This easy, 1-mile hike offers wonderful views and great photo opportunities. Refreshments will be provided. Sunrise Hike meets at Humphrey Nature Center.

Later in the morning from 10 to 11 a.m. the Waterfalls Hike gets started at the Humphrey Center for a 2-mile hike along the Portage Canyon trail to Inspiration Point, which includes the Glen Iris Fountain, and Middle Falls. Refreshments will be provided.

At the same time from 10 to 11 a.m. there will be a guided1.5-mile Hogsback Overlook Hike along the Highbanks Trail with great views of the Mt. Morris Canyon, a unique geological feature within the park. Refreshments will be provided. The hike meets at Highbanks Recreation Area.