TOWN OF DEWITT – The Friends of Clark Reservation will once again ring in the new year by hosting a “First Day Hike” within the Jamesville state park.
Running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, the event will incorporate two guided hikes, one of them an hour-long “family-oriented” hike along the Mildred Faust Trail on mostly flat or slightly inclined ground and the other a more strenuous, ascending two-hour trek with a course depending on the day’s weather.
“It’s just a fun, nice way to start out the new year,” said co-chair of the Friends group Tina Redmond. “It’s for all those people whose resolution is to exercise more, which is probably everybody.”
Attendees do not need to pre-register days ahead, but for the purpose of a head count, they are advised to sign in at 10:45 a.m. under the larger of the two pavilions, where raffles will also be offered.
At the end of the outdoor event’s duration, free hot chocolate, hot cider and snacks will be available in the stone nature center. Surprise gifts will likely be given out as well.
Hikers are expected to bring their own gear and additional layers of clothing. They can also choose to hike on their own and self-guide away from the main group.
Since people will be arriving at the park anyway, they can feel free to bring contributions to a canned food drive tied in with Martin Luther King Day.
A growing list of parks, historic sites, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lands, wildlife areas, Forest Preserve trails and environmental education centers are arranging hikes for the approaching New Year’s Day.
These hikes were introduced by the New York State parks system in 2012, and Clark Reservation had its first in 2014.
Submitted photo
Clark Reservation State Park will be the site of a “First Day Hike” event on New Year’s Day.