There is nothing quite like a Spring hike. The trees are slowly sprouting new leaves, fresh green flora is sprouting from the forest floor, and the warm air helps clear the winter hibernation from our bones. We've compiled a brief list of hikes below to provide you with some suggestions for where to go to get your senses stirred in the beautiful spring sunshine. 

Sam's Point Courtesy of Google Reviews

Ulster County
Sam's Point Preserve at Minnewaska State Park
400 Sam's Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY
There are multiple hikes at the Sam's Point Preserve. One of the quickest is the 1.2 mile trail to Sam's Point Overlook. The hike can take around 45 minutes and provides an amazing view. Many recommend lengthening the hike to see the ice caves.

Overlook Mountain Trail 
353 Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY
Overlook Mountain Trail is a 5 mile out and back trail that progresses up a steady grade for the majority of the hike. Exciting features on the hike is the Firetower at the top, and the abandoned Overlook Mountain House 

Bashakill Wildlife Management Area Courtesy of Google Reviews

Sullivan County
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area 
Indian Orchard Road, Wurtsburo, NY
The Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is a 3,107 acre wildlife management area that offers hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activity. The 1,920 acre wetland area is an exceptional habitat for birds and draws in birdwatchers across the nation.

Red Hill Fire Tower
2205 Denning Road, Claryville, NY
This out-and-back trail is 4 miles long and leads to the historic Red Hill Fire Tower. The 60' firetower was constructed in 1921 and provides unsurpassed panoramic views. 

Basswood Pond State Forest couresty of Google Reviews

Otsego County
Basswood Pond State Forest
575 Jacobs Road, Burlington Flats, NY
The 720-acre State Forest offers 7.5 miles of multi-use trails and features a pond with a picnic area. Basswood Pond State Forest is conveniently located 15 miles from Cooperstown, NY.

Gilbert Lake State Park
18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY
Gilbert Lake State Park has a lake, three ponds, and 12 miles of interconnected trails. This campground and day use area offers a serene place to hike surrounded by natural beauty.

Pepacton Reservoir by Shavertown Trail 

Delaware County
Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Colchester and Walton, NY
Bear Spring Mountain consists of 7,000 acres of land with 11 miles of hiking trails accessible year-round. The park encompasses a vast multi-use trail system that can be used for day hikers of every fitness and experience level. The trails vary from easy and gentle with breathtaking vistas to those that are more strenuous with steeper grades and more challenging terrain. 

Shavertown Trail
NYC 4 Road, Andes, NY0.1 miles from the Shavertown Bridge Parking Lot
The combined length of the Shavertown Trail is 3.3 miles. It leads to two great views of the surrounding mountains and the Pepacton Reservoir. The trail begins 0.1 mile up the road from the Shavertown Bridge parking area and climbs moderately for 0.3 miles before becoming an easy-moderate hike on a woods road to the pond and then through mixed forest.