State Waiving Parking Fees at all State Parks on New Year’s Day During 14th Annual First Day Hikes

To celebrate the New Year, and to increase public access to the outdoors, New York State will be waiving the parking fees at all state parks; admission to state parks is always free. The fee waiver is part of the 14th annual First Day Hikes program and will be offering varied hiking options at almost 100 locations throughout the state.

“There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with family and friends at a First Day Hike to experience and enjoy the winter beauty of New York’s amazing scenic landscapes,” Governor Hochul said. “This year, I’m waiving parking fees at every State Park and Historic Site to encourage all New Yorkers to join in on this fantastic tradition.”

Hosting the walks and hikes at state parks will be the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Canal Corporation. A majority of the walks and hikes are family-friendly and range between 1 and 5 miles long depending on location. First day hike locations for our area may be found below.

• Chenango Valley State Park, Chenango Forks
• Clark Reservation State Park, Jamesville
• Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville
• Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia
• Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg

More information may be found online through the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website, HERE.