SALAMANCA — Start your new year off right! Join us at Allegany State Park for our Annual First Day Hike. Allegany’s First Day Hike offers a healthy and relaxing way for people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the winter beauty of the area.
The Environmental Education Department has put together a self-guided hike on Bear Paw located at the Summit Area of the Red House side of the park. The hike is 2.4 miles in length and easy to moderate in intensity.
It begins at the Summit Warming Hut (Site 16) and follows the scenic ridgeline to Stone Tower, then loops back to the Warming Hut. Interpretive points of interest can be found along the way. Come listen to birds, feel the warmth of the sun or the cold air nipping at your nose.
This First Day Hike will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Participants should begin the hike by stopping in the Summit Warming Hut to sign in and pick up a trail map.
The Friends of Allegany State Park will be on hand to help register hikers. They have donated and will be serving free hot chocolate, coffee and tea as well as roasting some delicious Sahlen hot dogs. J-Con concessions has donated chili for all our hungry hikers. Make sure you stop back at the Warming Hut between noon to 2 p.m. to get some hot drinks and good eats.
The guided hike starts at noon. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear appropriate footwear and/or snowshoes.
Hope to see you on Jan. 1.
For more information please contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at 716-354-9101 ext. 236 or AlleganySP@parks.ny.gov.
