2026 First Day Hikes in Letchworth State Park

Come join Letchworth State Park as they offer a series of guided hour-long "First Day Hikes" throughout the park! All First Day Hikes take place on Thursday January 1, 2026. 

• 7-8am: First Day Sunrise Hike - Witness the first sunrise of 2026 from the Archery Field Overlook, the breathtaking “Grand Canyon of the East” view at Letchworth State Park. This easy hike offers wonderful views and great photo opportunities. (1 mile) Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Letchworth State Park. First Day Sunrise Hike meets at Humphrey Nature Center, use Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY. No Registration required.
• 10-11am - First Day Waterfalls Hike - Join us for a hike along the Portage Canyon to Inspiration Point, the Glen Iris Fountain, and Middle Falls.  This moderate hike offers incredible views and explores the heart of the park. (2 miles) Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Letchworth State Park. First Day Waterfalls Hike meets at Humphrey Nature Center, use Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY. No Registration required.
• 10-11am - First Day Hike to Hogsback Overlook - Enjoy a guided hike along the Highbanks Trail with great views of the Mt. Morris Canyon.  The Hogsback Overlook provides great views of a unique geological feature within Letchworth State Park. (1.5 miles) Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Letchworth State Park. First Day Hike to Hogsback Overlook meets at Highbanks Recreation Area, use Mount Morris entrance at 2640 Park Road, Mount Morris, NY. No Registration required.
• 10:30-11:30am - First Day Hike Around Trout Pond - Hike a loop around Trout Pond, the human-enhanced wildlife habitat, fishing pond, and water source for the fountain at the Glen Iris Inn. This easy hike covers mostly flat ground but follows a complete loop around Trout Pond. Experience the hushed, densely fern-covered pine woods in their winter slumber beside the beautiful pond. (1 mile) Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Letchworth State Park. First Day Hike Around Trout Pond meets at Humphrey Nature Center, use Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY. No Registration required.
• 1-2pm - First Day Inspiration Point Hike - A hike to the Portage Canyon that provides an ‘inspiring’ vantage point of both Middle and Upper Falls. This easier hike offers great canyon views and explores some of the natural beauty of the park. (1 mile) Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Letchworth State Park. First Day Hike to Inspiration Point meets at Humphrey Nature Center, use Castile entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY. No Registration required.
• 1-2pm - First Day Hike to Mt. Morris Dam - Join us for a guided hike with wonderful gorge views and interesting perspectives of the Mt. Morris Dam. Learn all about the Dam’s functions and its importance to communities between Letchworth State Park and the City of Rochester. (1.5 miles) Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Letchworth State Park. First Day Hike to Mount Morris Dam meets at Highbanks Recreation Area, use Mount Morris entrance at 2640 Park Road, Mount Morris, NY. No Registration required.

Each hike is approximately one hour, and no registration is required. Bring your friends & family out and enjoy a spectacular start to 2026!