SALAMANCA, N.Y. — Allegany State Park will conduct its annual First Day Hike from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1, in order to start the new year off right.
The park’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. 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.
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, at Site 16, and follows the scenic ridgeline to Stone Tower, then loops back to the Warming Hut with interpretive points of interest to be found along the way.
The Friends of Allegany State Park have donated and will serve free hot chocolate, coffee and tea as well as roasting Sahlen hot dogs. J-Con concessions has donated chili for all hungry hikers. Food and refreshments will be available at the Warming Hut between noon and 2 p.m. The guided hike will begin at noon. Participants are advised to dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear and/or snowshoes.
