Don’t get us wrong, hiking in the winter can be absolutely stunning, but there’s something about hiking in the cool breezes and warm sunshine that only spring can provide. Our friends at Hiking Project put together five destinations to start raising the springtime stoke.
Boulder, Colorado
The mountains, rivers and forests near Boulder provide ample opportunities for getting outside. Be sure to keep an eye out when you’re enjoying that fresh mountain air—you may run into some of the Adventure Project staff!
The trails near Boulder generally start getting good in March—with a few exceptions for mud and lingering snow. A few gems to check out in the area include Bear Peak, Green Mountain, the Boulder Skyline Traverse and Royal Arch.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park offers an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time, a rich and diverse fossil record, a vast array of geologic features and rock types, and numerous caves containing extensive and significant geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources.
Park’s North Rim doesn’t open until May, so if you want to get in on some early spring hikes, head to the South Rim, which is open all year. The temperatures tend to be mild until May and June, after which things heat up. When visiting, check out these trails: Rim Trail, Desert View Point, Tusayan Ruins Loop and Transept.
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
From its scenic open grasslands, forested ridges and brushy hillsides to its expansive sandy beaches and rocky headlands, Point Reyes offers a stunning diversity of over 1,500 species of plants and animals. Whether you are taking in the views while hiking along the inland trails or listening to the thunderous ocean breakers on the rugged shoreline, you are certain to be amazed by all this seashore has to offer.
The temps stay pretty mild in this area throughout the year, but the rain tends to start tapering off in March. A few trails to explore are Estero to Sunset Beach, Palomarin to Alamere Falls, the Mount Wittenberg and Bear Valley Loop, and the Laguna and Coast Loop.
Huntsville, Alabama
Yes, you read that right. While not typically considered a hiking destination, Huntsville has quite a few opportunities to explore unique geologic features, dense forests, historical landmarks and beautiful parks.
It’s best to get your hiking in before June here, when the temperatures and humidity start to get unbearable. Classic hikes include Blevins Gap and the Rainbow Mountain Run.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is made up of countless forested mountain ridges that form the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. This is America’s most visited national park, with good reason! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its variety of flora and fauna, the magnificence of its ancient topography, and the remains of its Southern Appalachian culture.
March, April and May are perfect times to get out on the trails in this park. Be sure to check out the Mt. Sterling Loop, the Carolina Mountain Club Section of the AT, Chimney Tops Trail and Ramsey Cascades Trail.
Don’t forget to share your hikes on the Hiking Project.