First Day Hikes are always popular in the Adirondacks on New Year’s Day, and there are plenty more events to check out and news to catch up on this week!
Happy New Year! Here are the ADK Events This Holiday Week
Here’s what’s coming up:
- North Country Jazz Project Holiday Concert at Tannery Pond Center: December 30
- New Year’s Eve Yoga at the VIC: December 31
- New Year’s Eve at Hotel Saranac: December 31
- New Year’s Eve at Friends Lake Inn: December 31
- New Year’s Eve at Oak Mountain: December 31
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over Lake Flower: December 31
- Festival of Trees at the Hancock House: through December 31
- Holiday Festival of Lights in Lake George: through December 31
- Frostbite Cruise in Lake George: January 1
- Wild Lights at The Wild Center: through January 1 (and other dates)
- Lake George Winterfest: through March 11
And, there are a number of First Day Hikes on January 1:
- First Day Hike at AIC (Goodnow Mountain)
- First Day Snowshoe Hike & Historical Tour at Crown Point Historic Site
- First Day Hike at Paul Smith’s
- First Day Hike at Point Au Roche State Park
- First Day Hike at Prospect Mountain
- First Day Hike at Thomas Mountain
First Day Hike Tips: If you’re going on a First Day Hike, perhaps for the first time, know to come prepared for winter hiking in the Adirondacks. Wear warm layers and bring necessary gear and supplies, including additional clothing, water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, and gloves. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear, and possibly bring snowshoes or other traction devices (sometimes organizers of First Day Hikes will offer to rent or borrow out snowshoes – it’s worth asking about if you need to).
Please note: First Night Saranac Lake has been cancelled.
View the full events calendar >>
Quick News Around the Park: Winter Hiking, Plus Attractions Opening Up This Week
Leave No Trace: It’s Not Just for Warmer Months
Speaking of winter hiking…the DEC has sent out a reminder that the Leave No Trace rules in the Adirondack Park apply during the colder months.
“Winter is an excellent time to get outdoors in New York,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. “To protect public lands for future generations, remember to Love Our New York Lands by practicing the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and get outside safely and responsibly.
Read up on the LNT Seven Principles >>
Ice Skating Season Starts in Long Lake & Lake Placid
The Geiger Arena and Skating Rink in Long Lake opened for the season on Tuesday. The rink will be open this week from 1pm to 10pm (closed 5pm to 6pm).
Lake Placid Legacy Sites also posted recently their holiday week hours for the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval – the rink will be open for skating from 1pm to 3pm and 7pm to 9pm today through Sunday, January 2. Tickets can be purchased at the Oval entrance.
Find more places to ice skate >>
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Opens Friday
Finally, the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park in Pottersville opens for the season on December 31. Only the snowshoe trails are open for the time being, and you can check it out Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 10am to 4pm (last ticket is at 2pm). Reserve tickets today on their website.
