Spring hiking has a magic all its own. Trees begin to leaf out, bright new growth pushes up from the forest floor, and the warm air feels like a reset after the long winter. To help you get outside and take it all in, we've put together a handful of hike ideas below, great spots to soak up the season and reenergize in the sunshine.

Bashakill Wildlife Management Area Courtesy of Google Reviews

Sullivan County
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area 
Indian Orchard Road, Wurtsboro, NY
The Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is a 3,107-acre preserve that offers hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. Its 1,920-acre wetland is an exceptional habitat for birds and attracts birdwatchers from across the country.

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-foot fire tower was constructed in 1921 and offers unsurpassed panoramic views.

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 features a vast multi-use trail system suitable for day hikers of all fitness and experience levels. The trails range from easy, gentle routes with breathtaking vistas to more strenuous options with steeper grades and challenging terrain.

Shavertown Trail
NYC 4 Road, Andes, NY
0.1 miles from the Shavertown Bridge Parking Lot
The combined length of the Shavertown Trail is 3.3 miles. It leads to two scenic viewpoints overlooking 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 transitioning into an easy-to-moderate hike along a woods road to a pond and then through mixed forest.

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 within Sam's Point Preserve. One of the quickest is the 1.2-mile trail to Sam's Point Overlook. The hike takes about 45 minutes and offers an amazing view. Many recommend extending the hike to include the ice caves.

Overlook Mountain Trail 
353 Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY
Overlook Mountain Trail is a five-mile out-and-back hike that follows a steady incline for most of the route. Highlights include the fire tower at the summit and the abandoned Overlook Mountain House.

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 features a lake, three ponds, and 12 miles of interconnected trails. This campground and day-use area offers a serene setting for hiking, surrounded by natural beauty.