As the winter chill fades away, New York is transformed into a lush oasis teeming with new life and vibrant greenery. The arrival of spring breathes fresh energy into the natural landscape, and there’s no shortage of places to embrace its beauty. Join us on a journey to witness the renewal of life in New York State’s most enchanting spots, where the sights and sounds of nature awakening will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
This list mainly consists of mainly places in Western New York, but as we continue to explore our beautiful state, I will add new places. Please leave a comment below if you know of great places to visit in the Spring.
Natural Places Greening With New Life
Of course, the first evidence of spring is the greening of new life all around. However, it is more obvious and frankly more beautiful in some places than others.
Here are some fabulous places we have discovered that are truly amazing in the Springtime.
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Beaver Lake Nature Center, a 600-acre natural sanctuary. The center offers visitors an opportunity to explore 9 miles of trails and get lost in the wonders of nature. Enjoy the vibrant hues of spring and bask in the beauty of this extraordinary place. This is an excellent place to reconnect with nature in early spring and shake off cabin fever.
As the winter chill fades away, the natural world comes to life, painting the landscape with vibrant hues of green and yellow. And there’s no better place to witness this spectacular transformation than the Thousand Acre Swamp, a breathtaking oasis of natural beauty that truly comes into its own in springtime.
Zurich Bog is an extraordinary natural site in New York State, which stands out from all the other places we have visited. During our visit, we spent most of our time hiking, and we were constantly amazed by the stunning beauty of the place. We kept commenting on the diverse habitats we encountered, which were incredibly cool. The National Natural Landmark boasts several different habitats, each unique and captivating. As we walked, we noticed how the landscape changed from marshlands to mature wooded forests and, finally, a bog.
Zurich Bog is a type of sphagnum bog, which is filled with peat moss and hair-cap moss, creating a spongy and bouncy walking surface. Walking on this bog is a unique experience, as it feels like walking on an air mattress. The ground is so soft and bouncy that you can feel it moving underneath your feet. It’s quite a wild experience!
New York’s only National Forest is a picturesque haven for nature lovers, spanning over 16,259 acres of diverse habitats that include towering woodlands, sprawling meadows, verdant shrublands, and lush pastures. The forest is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to reconnect with nature. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, the forest also boasts several tranquil ponds that offer a serene spot to relax and unwind.
Noyes Sanctuary is an incredible destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. If you’re fond of owls, then visiting during spring is a must. This sanctuary is a popular nesting spot for owls. Many other birds also migrate in and out of the sanctuary during spring. The sanctuary is located on Lake Ontario, which makes it an excellent spot to observe not just woodland birds but also waterfowl. However, the most attractive feature of this sanctuary is its stunning cliffs.
Catherine Creek Wildlife Management Area
This is one of our favorite hikes to take in the spring. The Wildlife Management Areas of New York are a great place to witness the arrival of spring, and Catherine Creek is particularly stunning during this season. The growth of new life here almost seems to be accelerated. Additionally, destinations located near water are also great places to observe the re-emergence of wildlife.
Ganargua Creek Meadow Preserve
Ganargua Creek Meadow Preserve is a lovely sanctuary with a meadow, woodlands, and of course, a creek. However, it’s the meadow is the highlight of this sanctuary with dancing butterflies, dragonflies, and colorful wildflowers. We visited on a clear sunny day, the sight of the blue sky against the green meadow was breathtaking.
The Palmyra Wetland Nature Trail consists of old Erie Canal wetlands and is a beautiful natural area with well-maintained trails that circle around the wetlands. Visitors can spot wildlife such as turtles and birds along the way. The trail offers peaceful and serene surroundings with observation decks and benches throughout. It’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
This trail offers many delightful sights for visitors during Spring. Most notably, several seasonal waterfalls that flow beautifully from the winter run-off. The trail is absolutely stunning, winding through the woods with trillium blooming in places on the forest floor, and eventually leading down to the shore of Hemlock Lake. For those who are feeling especially energetic, the lakeside trail is a great option and can be hiked all the way to the boat launch (which is 4.8 miles away).
During spring, the pond at Wesley Hill Nature Preserve is filled with frogs and toads. The preserve offers numerous trails, but the most breathtaking one follows the creek. The waterfalls are huge and striking, especially after the winter runoff. As you make your way down the ravine, you can catch glimpses of a towering, staircase-like waterfall that stands at a height of 100 feet.
When you first arrive at Cornwall Preserve and view it from the parking area, it may not seem impressive. However, once you start exploring the preserve, you will discover that it is far from ordinary. There are several trails that take you through a variety of habitats, including a meadow, mature woods, wetlands, and the lakeshore. The preserve is especially beautiful in the spring when new life blossoms everywhere.
Indian Hill and Cresent Trail Systems
Discovering a wild and natural place nestled within a suburban town can be an eye-opening experience. Miles upon miles of hiking trails wind through the most beautiful scenery imaginable, including woods, open fields, along a creek, and around a pond. During spring, this natural area transforms into a little piece of paradise for those who love the great outdoors.
Canandaigua Vista Nature Preserve
The preserve has got something truly special for you – multiple splendid views of Canandaigua Lake that are absolutely breathtaking. We visited in early spring when the trees were still bare, and the views were just fantastic. Although the lake is a bit far away, there’s still a lot of land to enjoy between you and the lake. Just remember that you won’t get to the lake’s shore during your hike. But don’t worry – it’s still a beautiful hike around the preserve, and you’ll get to see Canandaigua Lake in the distance multiple times throughout your trek.
Watching Spring awaken along this trail system is fantastic, and it is stroller-friendly so that you can take a lovely Spring walk with the little ones. There are a series of waterfalls on the Phelps area trail that are super impressive in the spring when they are exceptionally full.
Bird Migrations and Awaken Wildlife
Conesus Lake Inlet Wildlife Management Area
Conesus Lake Inlet is the only spawning area for northern pike in the lake. During spring, people enjoy visiting the Inlet to watch the migrating fish. However, fishing is prohibited when the fish are spawning. This area is also known for nesting bald eagles.
Salamander and Frog Migration
In early spring, usually between late March and early April, salamanders (and frogs) wake up in New York and migrate to the nearest vernal breeding pond. These amphibians spend most of the year hiding along the forest floor under rocks and brush. During their springtime strolls, they often cross roads and highways, sometimes traveling over a quarter mile. Since these migrations occur at night, they need help to reach their destination safely. Across the state, people volunteer to assist these critters in crossing the road safely. These events are usually organized by the DEC or local towns. If you want to volunteer or witness the migration, you can visit parks such as Allegany State Park and Thacher State Park, which are known for their Salamander Migration.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Refuges are an ideal location to witness the awakening of wildlife during Spring, as it serves as a stopover for migratory birds. As the snow melts away, the first signs of spring are the birds returning, and they instinctively navigate towards the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a protected area for various kinds of birds and animals. From March 1 to October 1, the park serves as a sanctuary for nesting birds and breeding mammals.
Snow Geese Return
The real harolds of spring are the snow geese. Seeing massive flocks of these tundra birds on their return journey north is a sure sign that spring is on its way. We almost always see them on Cayuga Lake. They resemble icebergs in the middle of the lake. No kidding, I’ve mistaken them for ice numerous times. The snow geese can be seen across the region in the very early spring. Look for them in open fields and on large bodies of water.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, a 9,000-acre wildlife preserve in Seneca Falls, is a truly unique destination that offers a wonderful opportunity to view a variety of native wildlife species. With over 242 species of birds, it’s a bird watcher’s paradise. Wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts alike are drawn to this refuge for its abundant and diverse birdlife. This is a major stopover for migratory birds.
Tinker Nature Park spans across 68 acres and has over two miles of flat and easy-to-traverse trails, making this an ideal spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park boasts abundant wildlife, offering visitors an opportunity to spot various species as they explore the trails that weave through the woods, wetlands, meadow and around the outer edge of the woods. The park also features a pond that is perfect for waterfowl viewing. Even the littlest feet can enjoy the trails without any difficulty.
Howland Island, a unique destination with miles of trails that lead through meadows, forests, wetlands, and around beautiful ponds. Surrounded by the Seneca River, this island offers a serene and breathtaking location to connect with nature. The trails are old dirt roads from the time this property was part of the original Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, and offer a glimpse into the past. Howland Island’s nine stunning man-made ponds, teeming with wildlife, offer a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. The island’s proximity to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge makes it a must-visit location for bird watchers, and a perfect spot to witness the beauty of migratory birds on their journey. So in the Spring, this is a hotspot for birding.
Sterling Nature Center Rookery
Spring bloom at Sterling Nature Center is a sight to behold. One of the most breathtaking areas of the center is the Beaver Wetlands, which is home to a rookery of great blue herons. This area is simply stunning and is filled with an abundance of wildlife. During our hike, we spotted snakes, frogs, and countless birds along the water and through the wooded areas of the trail. The nesting season for the herons lasts from March to July, during which time they incubate their eggs for 27-29 days and the chicks stay in the nest for 49-81 days. When we visited, we saw at least 10 occupied nests. Don’t forget to bring binoculars so that you can observe the young herons in their nests.
The area is abundant with wildlife, particularly during the spring, such as great blue herons, turtles, swans, ducks, and fish. Taking a stroll in this area can be quite fun, especially with older children who enjoy spotting different kinds of wildlife. My children always referred to this place as “the boardwalk with all the swans.” This is the one place you can be certain of seeing plenty of wildlife, making it an ideal spot to bring animal-loving kids.
I absolutely adore baby animals, and Springdale Farm is the perfect destination to visit during springtime for a chance to see the cutest babies on the planet. We visited during the first weekend of April; we were greeted with a bunch of baby animals, such as a few goats and sheep. Interestingly, the goats were born just an hour before our visit. Watching them jump around and listen to their tiny little cries sent my “adorable meter” off the charts. I have never seen anyone melt quite like my two children. Have you ever seen two teenagers swoon over a baby sheep? It was definitely the highlight of our visit.
Blossoming Flowers & Flower Festivals
Daffodils are the unofficial flower of spring (I’m sure there is some debate in this, but honestly, when I see daffodils, it is almost certain spring is here to stay… although I am from Rochester, and I’ve seen it snow on Mother’s Day. So, I’m not too quick to unpack the Summer clothes from storage…just yet.)
Anyway…The Daffodil Project at Mount Hope Cemetery has created a stunning place to see a mass bloom of 30,000 beautiful Daffodils.
Take a short walk on the Daffodil Trail to a daffodil meadow. This is a breathtaking sight but make sure you arrive early, this is a popular spot.
If you visit at the right time, the forest floor is covered in trillium.
2024 Spring Flower Festivals
Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival
Linwood Tree Peony Festival of Flowers
Williamson Apple Blossom Festival
Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival
Flowing Waterfalls
It goes without saying that all waterfalls are flowing at their full stunning beauty in the spring from the snow melt and “April showers.” However, there are other waterfalls that come to life almost exclusively in the spring and are somewhat less spectacular during the rest of the year. Here is a collection of our favorite “seasonal” waterfalls..
I added this one to this list, not because it isn’t flowing all the time but because there are falls here that can only truly be seen when the trees are bare. So early in the spring, when the waters are flowing, and the trees are bare… this place is pretty spectacular, especially the one over 100 feet tall.