QUAKER RUN — Allegany State Park will join more than 80 state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails and other public lands on New Year’s Day in hosting a First Day Hike.
Allegany State Park will be among those celebrating the State Parks Centennial in 2024, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of our parks and sites system.
In ASP, the First Day Hike will be held Jan. 1 in the Quaker Area along the newly finished Quaker Run Area Multi-Use Trail.
The Quaker Run Area is where Allegany State Park was born in 1921, and this year’s “First Day History Hike” is an easy trek featuring historical and environmental tidbits of information about the features found in this area of the state park.
The hike starts at Camp Turner, where the Friends of Allegany State Park will be providing hot dogs, chips, hot chocolate and coffee from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Quaker Store Museum will be open for this special event to answer questions about the park and its history. The First Day Hike will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear appropriate footwear and/or snowshoes.
“First Day Hike” gear and hiking guide are available at Camp Turner. For more information, please contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at (716) 379-6939 or (716) 379-6941.
Other area state lands participating in First Day Hikes include the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park in Hinsdale, Phillips Creek State Forest in Alfred Station and Letchworth State Park.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has encouraged New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the New Year at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, canal trails and public lands across the Empire State on Jan. 1.
The 13th annual First Day Hikes program is offering varied hike options for people at more than 80 locations across the state to enjoy.
“As New York State Parks celebrates its Centennial next year, our First Day Hikes is the first of many celebratory events,” Hochul said. “I invite all New Yorkers to begin the New Year by experiencing New York’s beautiful landscapes and enjoying the environmental and cultural legacy we call home.”
“First Day Hikes is particularly meaningful this year, as it marks the beginning of our Centennial celebration,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “2024 will be a year in which all New Yorkers come together in celebration of our parks and historic sites. We invite you to connect with your community and revisit an old favorite or discover a new destination.”
