What to do with your spring in Tupper Lake

All around the Adirondacks, the forests are waking up. Flowers are budding, birds are chirping, and the warm sunlight is bringing us out of our snowy stupor. Nothing motivates a trail-hungry hiker like those first few warm days. Unfortunately, those are also the days when the trails are at their most vulnerable. Don’t worry. There are great hikes to be had in the spring, and they might not be the ones you’d expect! Spring hiking is all about savoring the trails that are ready, and waiting so you’re able to enjoy the best of the ones that aren’t. 

Here are some tips for planning your next spring hike in Tupper Lake!

Stay low

Discover a whole new set of trails this spring. Down low, the snow melts and the ground dries a little faster than at higher elevations. That means spring is the perfect time to explore new places and warm up those legs for bigger hikes in the summer.

We all want the best trail conditions possible when we go hiking. That’s why it’s so important to spare the wet trails in the spring. Waiting for the trails to dry will slow erosion and make the walking surface a lot more fun to hike on in the summertime.

When you do encounter mud on the trail, embrace it! Hike right, and walk through the mud. That’s what boots are for, right? This will prevent the footpath from expanding and trampling all that pretty spring foliage.

Rule of thumb

We aren’t the only ones coming out to enjoy the long days. The flora and fauna of the Adirondack wilderness want in on the action, too! Be sure to share the woods with our animal friends this spring. If you see wildlife out and about, enjoy the sighting, but keep your distance. For your safety and theirs, it’s better to let them go about their business and enjoy how lucky you were to see them!

An easy trick to remember is the “rule of thumb.” Stick out your thumb in front of you, and close one eye. If your thumb doesn’t cover the entire animal, then you’re probably too close. It’s better to take a few steps back, watch for a moment, and then continue on with your hike.

Deceivingly cold

Just because it’s spring doesn’t mean it’s not still cold! The last thing you want is to have your first taste of spring spoiled by a cold breeze. That’s why it’s so important to pack an extra layer or two. Even when the weather looks warm and sunny, these mountains can be deceiving!

Spring thaw also means that water levels are high and temperatures are frigid. Just as you would with trail conditions, take a look at the water levels in the area, particularly if there’s a stream or river crossing on your intended route. Wouldn’t you rather wait until it was hot enough to take a dip afterwards anyways? 

Click it, don’t pick it

Everyone loves the colors of spring, so make sure they all get a chance to see them! You’ll see all sorts of gorgeous wildflowers blooming around Tupper Lake this spring. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want some way to remember them.

Time to bring out your inner artist! Practice your nature photography with the most beautiful subjects around. Picking flowers to take home doesn’t leave anything for other people to enjoy, and it quickly leaves you with a pile of dead flowers on your table. A photo, on the other hand, lasts forever. You’ll have a great screensaver, photos to send to friends and family, and a great reminder of the trails that you discovered!

You'll need a while to get to all the amazing low-lying trails and flowers around Tupper Lake. Book a stay at one of Tupper Lake's charming motels, inns, and rentals. When you're finished with your hike, you can refuel at any of the delicious restaurants, bakeries, and breweries. Happy spring!