Ten Best Spring Hikes in the US

By Zachary Laks

April 29,2015; 11:50AM,EDT

 

 

With the arrival of spring, the ground is thawing, flowers are blossoming, and nature is jumping back to life. Take advantage of the natural beauty by heading into the wilderness for a trek on one of the country's 10 best spring hiking trails. With routes that weave through multiple waterfalls, provide ample bird-watching opportunities, and lead to epic vistas, there's no better time to explore the country's varied terrain than the temperate days of spring.
UPPER YOSEMITE FALLS

Credit: Kenny Karst / Delaware North at Yosemite
Where: Yosemite National Park, California
A national treasure, Yosemite National Park's 1,189 square miles extend through the better part of California's eastern border. In a park with ten signature waterfalls, prepare for a full-day, strenuous hike as you ascend 2,425 feet to the park's highest point, the top of Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Falls is divided into three sections, the upper, middle cascade, and lower falls, and while the lower falls are the most popular, the upper falls are the most rewarding with their 360-degree views and challenging terrain. Once at the top, challenge your fears by stepping onto the small platform near the mouth of the falls for the heartbeat-quickening opportunity to look straight down.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Yosemite Guide
MAROON LAKE SCENIC TRAIL

Credit: Maroon Bells by Dustin Gaffke CC BY 2.0
Where: Aspen, Colorado
As the snow melts, skis are swapped for hiking boots in Aspen, Colorado, as the outdoors set navigate their way through the Rocky Mountains. For the most photogenic hike in Aspen, head to the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail in late spring where a mile-long "out and back" path takes you along the lake and streams to the best view of Colorado's famous Maroon Bells. When the weather permits, the Maroon Bells reflect off of Maroon Lake, providing a picture-perfect moment. Have your camera ready, as mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen grazing along the mountainside.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley Guide
CASCADE MOUNTAIN

Credit: Courtesy of Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism/lakeplacid.com
Where: Keene, New York
Cascade Mountain's hike in the Adirondacks of northern New York sets itself apart from the many trails of the Adirondacks for its accessibility to families looking to introduce adventurous kids to mountain hiking. The summit's 360-degree views attract visitors year-round, though come late spring, the crowds begin to gather. The 4.8-mile hike round trip brings hikers through a fairly moderate terrain that takes an average of two hours to complete. At the 1.8-mile marker, there's an opportunity to catch your breath and observe a hint of what's to come via an open ledge overlooking Algonquin, Colden and Marcy Mountains. Mind your footing as you reach the summit where the bare rock provides the perfect stoop to sit on and take in the sweeping sights of seemingly endless mountains.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Adirondacks and Thousand Islands Guide
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