Groton’s First Day Hike bigger and better than ever

Shana Snyder is probably best known in Groton for her involvement with Scouts, or perhaps as president of the Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) or any number of things she is involved with in the community. Not everyone may know, however, that Groton’s First Day Hike (GFDH) was put into motion as a direct result of Snyder’s idea and initiative.  

In December 2019, shortly after the Groton Trail System (GTS) was completed, Snyder said she got the idea that she wanted to start her new year in 2020 doing a first day hike in her own town on the GTS. She had participated in other areas in the past and knew what a great feeling it was to start a year out that way.  

“I just put it out on Facebook that I was going to do it and invited anyone who wanted to join me,” Snyder said. “Jennifer Jones, who was the director of Groton Recreation at the time, saw it and contacted me right away and said, ‘Let’s make it official through Groton Rec.’ That was Dec. 29, and in 48 hours, we had it planned and advertised, ending up with a couple dozen people that first year.” 

Part of Snyder’s initial motivation was her pride in the GTS, located in the woods surrounding Groton Memorial Park on Sykes Street — a project in which Jones was also instrumental.  

Scott Weeks is the GHS health education teacher; coach for its varsity cross country, outdoor and indoor track and field teams; and coach and coorganizer of the Groton Project Running Club. He worked with Jones and Jeff Cronk, owner of C&D Assembly in Groton, as the impetus behind the GTS.   

“Jennifer, Jeff and I decided that we’d like to spearhead the idea of developing some trails in the wooded areas of the village and town of Groton,” Weeks said. “In conjunction with support from Groton Rec and a grant that Jennifer had secured, we spent time deciding where we would create these trails and where we would have necessary trailheads and other signage. We then organized a group of people (friends and family) that would be willing to help us clean up existing, nonofficial trails and clear new trails that would connect them all into one trail system.” 

Weeks added that Jones recruited him and Cronk to be involved in the GFDH that inaugural year, and Weeks has been involved every year since. He plans to continue as long as it’s practical for him. 

“That first year was amazing,” Snyder said. “We had a little bit of snow on the ground, so we hiked in snow and had a great time. I love this town. All it takes is a person with an idea and this town responds!” 

Almost as soon as the 2020 hike was over, Snyder and Jones began making plans for 2021. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and put a slight damper on some of their ideas because the world was still dealing with it in December 2020. Nonetheless, the hike took place.  

“We were all hiking in masks,” Snyder said, “and it was a smaller group, but we did it! By the time 2022 came around, we had increased to about three dozen hikers, and we had bumper stickers made for everyone who came that year.” 

As January 2023 rolled around, Jones stepped down from her position as Groton Rec’s director and Becky Koenig took over.  

“I learned about the hike via Groton Rec’s Facebook page prior to taking the director position,” Koenig said. “I was excited to see this type of event happening here in Groton. The First Day Hike is one of my favorite types of events. It’s open to all ages and abilities and costs nothing to participate. It’s a welcoming event where folks gather and enjoy a valuable resource in our community and a reminder to folks that wintertime is a great season to get outside and enjoy the trails. What a perfect kickoff to the new year!”  

The fourth annual GFDH will take place at noon January 1, 2024, setting off from Groton Memorial Park on Sykes Street with all the additions that were added in 2023 and then some! 

“The great thing about [the event] is that all ages come out for it, from elementary age to senior citizens,” Snyder said. “It’s a great way to start the new year and a great fit for people who have made resolutions to get more fit. Also, some come not to hike, but just to sit around the fire and enjoy the other things we offer.” 

Snyder elaborated on some of those other things that make the day so much fun for everyone. As in 2023’s hike, there will be a bonfire to keep everyone warm and hot cocoa provided by the PTO, as well as cooking demos on the fire by the Scouts.  

“Last year, Jen Dean and her Girl Scouts roasted marshmallows and Aaron Windsor’s Webelos ran their own Cast Iron Chef for all to sample,” Snyder said. “This year we are also adding Boy Scout Troop 77, led by Ed Brewer, Rae Avery and Kristen Likel, cooking bread dough on a stick over the fire. The Cub Scouts Pack 10 will be handing out hand warmers if they are needed, and Troop 77 will be working on various ranks they need to achieve in the process.” 

For those who are looking forward to the hiking piece or who might be more serious runners, there will be something for everyone. A map of the GTS may be found at Groton Trail System | vilgroton (grotonny.org).

“We have options each year and begin as a large group on the flattest parts of the trails,” Weeks said. “Then, the group breaks off into subgroups where some do additional, oftentimes more challenging extensions, while others remain on the flatter portions of the trails as they make their way back to the park. There’s an option for pretty much anyone. This year, some of my indoor track athletes, who are also Groton Project members, plan to do a run on the trails for anyone who might be interested in running as an alternative to walking. We will also be putting it out to the Groton Project, which now has around 130 members, and encouraging participation.”  

Without missing a step when she came on board (pun intended), Koenig kept things going leading up to this year with coordinating, advertising and support, but she was quick to give kudos to the Scouts and the PTO. She said that they are the main organizations driving the event.   

“I’m always so glad to work with community organizations. I appreciate their energy around creating fun, engaging community events,” Koenig said. “The goal of this event is to create an enjoyable experience for all. The hike will be guided, for those who would prefer a group walk. Folks of all abilities attend. The trails vary in difficulty, and everyone can travel at their own pace. For folks who want to be outside and attend but are hesitant about hiking, you can come and enjoy company by the fire as we make s’mores, sip hot chocolate and eat some wood-fired pizza!” 

“It’s not just a hike anymore now,” Snyder said. “It’s a gathering, an event — a beautiful celebration of community for everyone.” 

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922.  

In brief: 

Groton Recreation upcoming events 

Groton Recreation Cabin Fever will be held Saturday, March 2 from noon to 4 p.m., with roller skating that evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This year, there will be even more hands-on activities for kids, as well as community performances. New to the program this year so far are Groton Project, Sweets & Treats 4-H Club, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, The Johnson Museum, and more! 

Fitness classes will continue to run in January. Registration will be open for yoga, pound, rockout, workout and kickboxing. Find Groton Recreation on Facebook to keep up to date on when to register. Adult co-rec volleyball starts January 29. It will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

New program! Youth volleyball skills clinic for fifth through eighth grade students will start in March. Sessions will be two days per week and will focus on learning basic skills of the sport. Volunteer coaches are needed! Email recreation@grotonny.org for more information if you are interested in coaching.  

Groton Community Cupboard 

The Groton Community Cupboard is closed for the holiday season and will reopen at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 7. The usual hours are 12:30 to 1 p.m. for those with mobility issues or other needs for assistance, and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for all others every Monday. It will also be open from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays.  

The Benn Conger Inn thanks those who hosted and participated in Groton’s first holiday house tour and for supporting such a great cause. The event was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without you. We sold 87 tickets, and your generosity helped us raise $1,000 to be donated to the Groton Community Cupboard. We hope that you enjoyed the tour and have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!