Welcome Spring With These Five Easy Hikes

The Lake George Area is unthawing, and what better way to welcome spring than with these five easy hikes!

*Muddy paws welcome – all 5 hikes are dog approved! (Must be leashed.)

Spring Hiking Tips:

  • As the snow melts, the ground becomes saturated – be prepared for muddy conditions and spring runoff.
  • Please protect our trails by walking through the mud and not around it; walking off the trail can damage vegetation and widen the path.
  • Wear waterproof boots and bring an extra pair of socks.

Dean Farm Heritage Trail

The Dean Farm Heritage Trail is ideal for hikers searching for an easy walk that could turn into a tougher climb. Located in the Town of Stony Creek, this is a network of 13 trails over 3.5 miles ranging in difficulty from easy to hard. Many of the trails are level crushed-stone, traditional dirt surfaces, and boardwalk pathways that are simple to navigate. Educational signage posted along the trail describes the forests, wetlands, and native species. Benches have been installed throughout the trail system so those who need to rest can do so, often while enjoying a gorgeous view.

Check out our Dean Farm Heritage Trail Hiking Highlight!


Warren County Nature Trail & Nordic Ski System

Explore alongside the Hudson River while walking or skiing the Warren County Nature Trail & Nordic System. These trails on the banks of the Hudson in Warrensburg are mostly easy and flat, with a few small inclines. The blue trail, a simple loop path, brings hikers down to the river, which should be high in the spring due to snowmelt. The more difficult yellow and red trails branch off from the blue trail, taking hikers to the top of several small hills, deep into valleys, and cresting hills again. This trail system also has a free public boat launch for those who want to kayak or canoe.

Check out our Warren County Nature Trail Hiking Highlight!


Meadowbrook Preserve

Meadowbrook Preserve is great trail for naturalists. This network includes 44-acres and 1.75-miles of flat and easy walking trails through a meadow and woods. The preserve features an observation deck in the meadow and miniature dock on Halfway Brook that runs through the backside of the property. Educational signage along the paths discuss the plant and animal species found throughout the preserve. This trail system in one of many in the Town of Queensbury, and is kept clean and beautiful thanks to the Queensbury Recreation Department.

Check out our Meadowbrook Preserve Hiking Highlight!


Hovey Pond Park

Hovey Pond Park is a great spot to exercise and soak up the spring sunshine. The path around Hovey Pond is a walk in the park. Three laps around this 4-acre pond equal a mile, so this is a great place to knock out your daily cardio. Other highlights of this 10-acre nature park are the beautiful botanical garden, maintained by Friends of Hovey Pond Park, and playground for young children.


Palmer Pond Trail

Hiking around Palmer Pond is a great introduction to the Chester Challenge. This trail managed by the DEC is located in Chestertown, and one of the 8 trails that make up the hiking challenge. The path around Palmer is about 1.5-miles of rolling hills, leading hikers through the forest towards breathtaking views of the pond. Take the spur trails along the main path for more scenery and glimpses of Adirondack wildlife. If you like to fish, make sure to pack your pole – Palmer Pond itself is a 31-acre cold water trout fishery.

Check out our Palmer Pond Hiking Highlight!