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AIC Hosts First Day Hike in the Adirondacks
Welcome the new year in the great outdoors with a First Day hike at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb.
The AIC, part of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), is participating in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) annual First Day hikes being held statewide Jan. 1.
"First Day Hikes are a great way to start the New Year," said Bob Stegemann, DEC Region 5 director. "DEC is excited to work with the SUNY College of Environment Science and Forestry (ESF) and Paul Smith's College to provide exceptional guided adventures for this year's First Day Hikes."
"We're excited to offer two first day guided hikes this year," said Jacob O'Connell, ESF outreach program manager. "The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), located on ESF's Newcomb Campus, is the center for nature interpretation in the Adirondacks. With over seven miles of trails and naturalists from the ESF Newcomb Campus, the AIC hosts public programs throughout the year."
Participants can choose one of hike two options. A guided snowshoe hike around the AIC trails begins at 10 a.m. and will be approximately two miles long. During the hike, participants will explore the many unique adaptations that allow mammals to survive the often cold and harsh Adirondack winters. The walk will be on light-moderate terrain and the hike will take approximately 1.5 hours.
More intrepid first-day hikers can join AIC naturalists and snowshoe the four-mile round-trip trail up Goodnow Mountain beginning at 10 a.m. This hike will explore the natural and cultural history of Goodnow Mountain. The Goodnow Mountain trail ascends approximately 800 feet over two miles and features views of the high peaks from a 60-foot fire tower on the summit. The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours. Weather conditions may make this trail extremely icy and require additional traction. Bring water, snacks, or anything else you may need for a hike.
Both hikes will begin at ESF's Adirondack Interpretive Center, 5922 State Route 28N, Newcomb New York. Registration is required and can be made by calling (518) 582-2000. The hikes are free of charge. Snowshoes are required for both hikes and will be provided if participants do not have their own. Hot chocolate will be available at the AIC.
All hikers should come prepared for the conditions with warm layered clothing, water, sunglasses, and proper footwear to be worn with snowshoes, warm hats, and gloves.
Each participant will receive a pair of Adventure NY branded gloves and First Day Hike sticker. Guided hikes will be canceled if snowfall or other weather events create hazardous travel conditions or outdoor recreation conditions. Participants will be notified if a hike is canceled by Dec. 31.
DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are offering more than 70 First Day Hikes at parks and state lands across New York.