FORESTVILLE – If you are looking forward to a fresh start in 2024, then come and celebrate the new year outdoors with a First Day Hike!

Come to the Forestville Hiking Trail, located on Walnut Street, approx 1/4th mile from Route 39, Forestville, from 1-3 p.m. and enjoy the beauty of the Hamlet of Forestville.

The trail is approximately one mile long and takes about 45 minutes to complete. There are small bridges, a few stairs and is a relatively level but uneven trail. All ages are welcome. Well-behaved pets are allowed on leash with clean up required. This is a pack-in and pack-out trail.

Members from the community group, Imagine Forestville and the Trail Team will be there welcoming guests, handing out hot cocoa and s’mores. Dress for the weather. The event will close if a storm warning is issued.

There are other locations throughout New York state and the country open to celebrate ‘First Day Hikes.’ The walks and hikes are family-friendly and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. Hikes are planned at state parks and historic sites, DEC State lands, wildlife areas, Forest Preserve trails, canal trails, towpaths, and environmental education centers. Please check the state and national websites for more details and whether pre-registration is required.

In addition to celebrating the first day of the new year, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the NY State office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. That’s another good reason to come out to celebrate state trails and historic sites!

No registration is required at the Forestville Hiking Trail. Please contact Aimee Rogers at aimeerogers@imagineforestville.org or (716)870-5087 with any questions.

Imagine Forestville is a 501c3 non-profit community organization started in 2018 dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Hamlet of Forestville.