Adventure NY

DEC's Adventure NY initiative was launched in 2017 to connect more New York families and visitors to the great outdoors. To provide for an even better user experience, DEC is making investments to improve public access to state land and water, upgrade campgrounds and facilities, and increase public awareness and information of all the outdoor recreation opportunities available in New York State.

New York State has many wonderful opportunities to get outside and enjoy activities year-round, including birding and wildlife viewing; warm-weather adventures such as swimming, biking, and horseback riding; cold-weather pursuits such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling; and even more challenging adventures like geocaching or rock and ice climbing. For accessible recreation, check out the Accessible Recreation destinations webpage.

Support Adventure NY Programs

Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).

Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donate here. 

Adventure NY Programs

New York State Birding Trail

The New York State Birding Trail highlights world-class birding opportunities across the state. The trail provides information on places anyone can go to find birds amid beautiful settings. The trail is not a physically connected or built trail, but a network of promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation and provides an inclusive experience for all.

First-time Camper Program

NYS provides FREE First-time Camper weekends throughout the summer. New York families that have never camped before have the opportunity to see if they enjoy the great outdoors before investing in their own gear by registering for a fully stocked campsite at a select NYS campground for a weekend.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DEC has been unable to offer the First Time Camper Program in it's entirety. For the past two years, DEC partnered with Outdoor Afro to provide special First-Time Camper weekends. Outdoor Afro is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing inclusivity in outdoor recreation and conservation by providing opportunities for people of color to connect with nature.

First Day Hikes

Celebrate the New Year outdoors with friends and family on a First Day Hike! Join one of the dozens of sponsored hikes held each New Year's Day at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas and trails across the Empire State. Staff from State Parks and DEC, along with volunteers at many sites, lead these family-friendly walks and hikes, which range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. Check back for updates on our January 1, 2024 hikes.

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day

Get outside on Get Outdoors & Get Together Day! DEC and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the NYS Division of Veterans' Services, hosted free and low-cost events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors. Get Outdoors & Get Together Day brought people of all abilities, ages, identities and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of the state's initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands.

Catskills Fire Tower Challenge

For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State - including the Catskill and Adirondack forest preserves - from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks, searching for the dangerous, telltale signs of forest fires.

You can experience these spectacular views from the top of five fire towers by taking the 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.

I BIRD NY

I Bird NY was launched in 2017 to build on the State's efforts to increase access to New York's vast natural resources and promote low-cost opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature. Visit I Bird NY to information on birding challenges, where and how to bird watch, upcoming bird walks and other events, a downloadable kids booklet, and additional resources.