With temperatures rising and days getting longer, springtime in New York is a great time to start your outdoor adventuring. We compiled a great list of some of the best hikes in New York for those days that you are looking for a shorter hike that doesn't involve too much energy or take up the whole day.

1. Fillmore Glen

At Fillmore Glen State Park in the village of Moravia, you can actually find quite a few trails that are nice and relaxing to explore. One of the most popular hiking trails in the park is the Five Falls Trail, leading you past some of the park's most stunning waterfalls, while other trails will take you through the gorge and past more waterfront scenery. Most of the trails that you can find at the park are anywhere from one to three miles long; nothing too intense! They're some of the best spring hikes in NY. Head to the New York State Parks website for more.

2. Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

Stretching across over 20 miles of New York, there are quite a few ways that you can enjoy the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Known for being one of the best rail trails in the country, this unique hiking experience will take you along what was once the Wallkill Valley Railroad. A flat hike that won't be strenuous on you, you'll have views of the Wallkill River, pass over bridges, and have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. When it comes to easy hikes in New York, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail ranks high. For the most up-to-date information on this trail, check out the Wallkill Valley Rail Trust.

3. Keuka Lake Outlet Trail

Stretching across 13 miles of the Finger Lakes, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a locally known gem that's amazing to hike through. The trail is considered to be easy and gives you views of creeks and abandoned buildings that are near the old locks and canals. Check out the outlet trail's website for more info.

4. Bashakill Wetlands

An easy trail that takes you through a unique area of New York, the Bashakill Wetlands is the perfect place to go hiking if you're looking to remove yourself from everything and everyone. The official wildlife management area covers over 2,000 acres of Wurstboro in Sullivan County, with trails running through here that will give you the chance to see eagles and herons. If you are in or around Wurtsboro and wondering if there are any hiking trails near me, you've got your answer. Take a look at the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation's website for more specific information about the area.

5. Bald Mountain

If you're looking for an easier hike to take in the Adirondacks that will give you extended views via a fire tower, then you should definitely look into tackling Bald Mountain up in Old Forge! The out-and-back trail is just under two miles long, with the Rondaxe Fire Tower at the summit, which will give you the chance to have even more of an amazing view of this area of the Adirondacks. For a more detailed description check out AllTrails.

6. Mashomack Preserve

Long Island may not be the first region you associate with New York hiking, but it's one you should never rule out! Well worth the drive, oceanfront hikes at places like the Mashomack Preserve are ones that will give you memories to last a lifetime. Out on Shelter Island, the beautiful preserve has a nearly 10-mile-long loop that's easy to hike along and is considered one of the nicest scenic hikes in New York.

For the latest info, head to the Nature Conservancy's website.

7. Vernooy Falls

Many of the trails that you'll find in the Catskills can be a bit challenging or lengthy, but amazing secluded spots like Vernooy Falls are always great places to go hiking! Visiting during the spring is always a quieter experience, while during the summer, you'll find more people visiting here to cool off in the waterfalls and creek, perfect during spring in New York. The trail is just over three miles long and can be found in the town of Kerhonkson. You can find more info about the trail on All Trails.

8. Ferncliff Forest

An easy little hike to take in Rhinebeck, Ferncliff Forest features a two-mile-long loop trail that eventually leads you to a fire tower. After making your way up to the top of the fire tower, you'll have expansive views of the Hudson Valley that you won't believe were so easy to achieve. Talk about scenic hikes in New York; these panoramic vistas are not to be missed. The Ferncliff Forest website will provide you with more details on the hike.

9. Akron Falls

Looking for "spring hikes near me" in the western part of the state? A great little hike to take out in Western New York is located in the small town of Akron at Akron Falls Park. One of the oldest parks in this area of New York state, you'll find an easy and short hiking trail to explore here that leads you through a gorgeous dense forest to Akron Falls. For further information on this hike, check out this OIYS article.

10. Baxter Mountain

Driving through the Keene Valley is always a magical experience, but oftentimes, many of us aren't quite ready to climb New York's tallest mountains. Surrounded by the High Peaks just off of Route 9N, Baxter Mountain is a two-mile-long hike just south of Lake Placid. During the spring and summer, you can find the summit covered in wild blueberries, with the beginning of the trail made up of lots of family-friendly switchbacks, making it one of many kid-friendly hikes in New York. For details on this hike, check out All Trails.

11. Buttermilk Falls

Another wonderful state park to hike through when you're out in the Finger Lakes is Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca. The state park features a natural swimming pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls that becomes quite popular during the summer, so beating the crowds and planning a spring visit is always nice. The state park has a handful of different trails that interconnect, all roughly one mile long or less. The New York State Parks website will provide more information.

Another place to check out in the Finger Lakes area is Watkins Glen State Park. Take a look at this video by @OnlyInYourState:

Which of these best hikes in New York will you add to your spring bucket list? For more trail information, make sure you download the AllTrails+ App. I find it quite helpful!

Want to enjoy other unique outdoor adventures in the Empire State? Then read about how this diamond mine.