As 2022 draws to a close, local parks and outdoor groups are offering plenty of activities this weekend to ring in the new year.
Allegany State Park has three other holiday events planned for the end of the year and January 1st.
The New Gears Eve Fat Bike Ride is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM on Saturday from Camp Allegany, Red House. Park staff and members of the Western New York Mountain Bike Association are inviting others to join them for the final ride of 2022.
Participants are encouraged to bring lights and wear warm reflective material and a helmet.No one will be left behind. If desired, participants can be divided into different paced groups.
Mess Hall at Camp Allegany hosts a social to follow the ride. Please bring your own snacks. Call the Environmental Education Department at (716) 354 9101 ext. 232 Questions?
The following day, the annual first day hike takes place from 10am to 2pm. Registration takes place at Camp Turner in the Quaker area of the park. Discover the history of Allegany State Park. The group begins with a hike along the new Quaker Run Area Multi-Use Trail.
The Quaker Run Area is where Allegany State Park was born 101 years ago. This year’s ‘First Day History Hike’ is an easy trek that showcases 20 historical facts about the features found in this area of the park.
The Quaker Store Museum will be open for this special event. Friends of Allegany State Park will be serving hot dogs and chips at Camp Turner from 11am to 1pm. Please dress for the weather and be sure to wear suitable footwear and/or snowshoes.
Also on Sunday, the park hosts First Day Bike. Next level mountain biking leads the Red House area.Meet at the administration building at 11:00 a.m.
Ride pace and length are moderate and determined by participants. No one is left behind. If necessary, participants may be split into different paced groups.
A wide range of conditions is to be expected, so bikes with fat tires are recommended, but please use your best judgment considering the conditions of the day.
Other places The Southern Tier welcomes in the New Year with the Holiday Valley Groomers Parade and spectacular fireworks. The family party starts at 9:00 PM on Saturday at the main lodge.
The Cindy’s Run Groomers Parade will begin at 11:15 PM, the Torchlight Parade will begin at 11:30 PM, and the New Year’s Fireworks Show will begin at 11:45 PM and will end at midnight.
Meanwhile, Portville’s Pfeiffer Nature Center’s 8th Annual New Year’s Day Hike will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday at the Echelman Property, 1420 Ubba Dam Road.
Sugaring at Eshelman is a part of local history that today’s residents participate in, so this year’s hike goes to the Eshelman Sugar Shack. This hike is led by Boy Scouts who assembled the new construction. A hot drink is provided upon arrival at the hut. Wear sturdy walking boots and dress for the weather conditions.
The hike is free and open to the public. In case of extreme weather, the event will be canceled. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration required.
For more information, contact the Pfeiffer Nature Center Management Office at (716) 933-0187 or visit pfeiffernaturecenter.org.
Two first-day hikes on the Genesee Valley Greenway are also planned. The church has a parking lot and restrooms.
Sponsored by the Hinsdale Historical Society, the event is an easy but exhilarating two-mile walk along a secluded section of the Greenway heading east along Oil Creek. This hike is led by a member of his Hinsdale Historical Society who offers hot chocolate after the hike.
The second Greenway Hike begins at 1:00 PM at the Cuban Gazebo on Bull Street. Sponsored by the Palmer Opera House, enjoy a relaxing easy trail and spectacular views along Griffin Creek and Oil Creek for 2.5 miles (approximately 2.5 miles) round trip.
Meet Michael Landowski, a hiking leader at the Humphrey Nature Center in Letchworth. Palmer at his opera house provides refreshments in the gazebo before and after the hike. Palmers are available for heating and toilets.
Pre-registration is required for hiking in Cuba. For more information or to register for the Greenway Hike, please contact Parks Manager Kristine Uribe at (585) 493-3614 or Kristine.Uribe@parks.ny.gov.