First Day Hikes are returning to State Parks in and around the Genesee Valley on January 1, 2024.
It’s an exciting way to start your year out on the right foot, out on the trail on guided and self-guided hikes.
There are multiple hikes occurring in State Parks in and around the Genesee Valley from Lake Ontario down to the Southern Tier on both sides of the Genesee River.
This year’s First Day Hikes are extra special because they are the kickoff to the 100th anniversary of New York State Office of Parks Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
Follow each park on social media for these and more guided experiences, and special centennial festivals throughout 2024.
Scheduled First Day Hikes, locations, hike length, and difficulty are listed below.
Hamlin Beach State Park:
•10 a.m. meet at the park Office, 1 Hamlin Beach Park Road, Hamlin. Easy. A guided walk will be led by Lara Hargrave, Hamlin Beach and Lakeside’s own Environmental Educator. The Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park (FOHBSP) will also be there to welcome attendees with a warm beverage.
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park:
•10 a.m. meet at Brook Road/Brookdale Preserve parking lot at 30 Brook Road, Rochester. 3+ miles, easy.
•All day meet at Canawaugus Park in Scottsville. Enter (43.018206, -77.747897) coordinates into GPS device. Self-guided hike, easy. Refreshments provided from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at Charity Bible Church, 1794 Scottsville Mumford Road, Scottsville.
•10 a.m. meet at Fowlerville parking area in Avon. Enter (42.891654, -77.823686) coordinates into GPS device. 2.6 miles, easy. End at York Landing Parking Area (42.864631, -77.851023) where there will be lunch at 12:15 p.m. with campfire.
•10 a.m. meet by the little league fields in Fillmore. Enter (42.463074, -78.113428) coordinates into GPS device. 3+ miles, easy.
•10 a.m. meet at Hinsdale Methodist Church, Main Street, Hinsdale. Enter (42.167278, -78.387766) coordinates into GPS device. 2 miles, easy.
•10 a.m. meet at Yard of Ale, 3226 Genesee Street, Piffard. 2.8 miles, easy. End at York Landing Parking Area (42.864631, -77.851023) where there will be lunch at 12:15 p.m. with campfire.
•10 a.m. meet at York Landing Parking area in York. Enter (42.864631, -77.851023) coordinates into GPS device. Easy. End at York Landing Parking Area (42.864631, -77.851023) where there will be lunch at 12:15 p.m. with campfire.
•11 a.m. to 2 p.m. meet at Erie Attica Trail parking lot. Enter (42.922824, -77.756525) coordinates into GPS device. 2+ miles, easy.
•1 p.m. meet at the gazebo on Bull Street. Enter (42.216592, -78.283329) coordinates into GPS device. 2.5 miles, easy.
•2 p.m. meet at Town of Nunda Highway Department at 1955 Hay Road, Nunda. Enter (42.59223, -77.94234) coordinates into GPS device.
Letchworth State Park:
•10 a.m. meet at South Highbanks Shelter in Letchworth State Park, near the swimming pool parking lot. Enter through the Mt. Morris entrance at 2640 Park Road, Mt Morris. 1.5 miles, moderate.
•10 a.m. meet at the Humphrey Nature Center, in between the Visitor Center and Inspiration Point. Enter through the Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Genesee Falls. 2 miles, moderate.
•10:30 a.m. meet at the Humphrey Nature Center, in between the Visitor Center and Inspiration Point. Enter through the Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Genesee Falls. 1.5 miles, easy.
•1 p.m. meet at the Humphrey Nature Center, in between the Visitor Center and Inspiration Point. Enter through the Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Genesee Falls. 2 miles, moderate.
•1 p.m. meet at South Highbanks Shelter in Letchworth State Park, near the swimming pool parking lot. Enter through the Mt. Morris Entrance at 2640 Park Road, Mt Morris. 1.5 miles, moderate.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Celebrating their Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.
Provided information and photo
