Top Spring Adventures for Outdoor Enthusiasts

For many of us, spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. It’s the chance for us to travel and get outdoors. With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, it’s the best time to get outside, enjoy nature, and try new adventure activities. Some of our favourite spring activities include hiking, camping, and paddling! Are you seeking inspiration to get out there and make the most of the season? Keep reading, and we’ll drop some locations you won’t want to miss out on.

If you’re itching to dig out your camping gear and get outdoors, you’re not alone! While many people see camping as primarily a summer activity, there are a lot of benefits to starting the season a little earlier. Fewer people are trying to book campsites in the spring, as the “shoulder seasons of spring and fall” are often quieter, making it the perfect time to secure your campsite. You’ll get to soak up your experience and embrace nature with fewer campers. 

The spring also presents fantastic opportunities for bird watching and picturesque views. It’s that time of year when flowers bloom everywhere, and birds surround forested areas. Don’t be surprised if you see song sparrows, waterfowl, hummingbirds and more! If you’re interested in checking out some flower festivals this month, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites here.  Start your camping season with a Park Trails or Harriman State Park map!

Orbitual View Inc - Park City Trails Map

New York State Parks - Harriman State Park Trail Map

With its mild weather and beautiful scenery, we know spring is one of the best times to go hiking. Hit the trails early this season by embracing everything spring hiking offers. If you haven’t yet “embraced liquid sunshine,” we highly recommend trying it out. Hiking in the rain can be a beautiful sensory experience with the calming sound of falling rain, the forest smell, and the bright green plants surrounding you. Not only will this keep you feeling relaxed, but you’ll continue to enjoy the other benefits of hiking: reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health, and bloom. It is also critical to remember that spring weather can be unpredictable - so make sure you dress in layers! 

Check the weather forecast before you hike and dress accordingly. It’s always a good idea to layer up with a good rain jacket or waterproof pants, just in case. If you’re up for it, a waterfall hike is also worth the chase this season! Check out these national parks this spring and make the most of your next adventure.

If you’re looking for further hiking inspiration, check out how Brian Shultis, a passionate outdoor enthusiast and avid Avenza Maps user, spends his days hiking along the trail. He always seeks new and intriguing ways to get outdoors and explore close to home.

Virginia State Parks - Grayson Highlands State Park

New York State Parks - Bear Mountain State Park Trail

Paddling in the springtime couldn’t get any better, with bug-free days, the shift to warmer weather and most importantly, the silence. It’s a beautiful time to take advantage of open waters and get out there to explore! Many people haven’t pulled out their canoes or kayaks since last fall, so it’s no surprise that you may be one of many itching to get back onto the water. If you’re a fan of paddling, you know how exhilarating it is to glide along the water’s surface, soaking up the sun and feeling the cool spring breeze hit your skin.

Before diving into paddling again, we encourage you to prepare yourself and your equipment to enjoy a safe, exciting season! Remember to check your gear first; check your equipment for cracks, dents or damage. You’ll also want to remember this key point: dress in layers as the weather is unpredictable, especially during spring. Be sure to wear lightweight, breathable clothing when you get out onto the water, regardless of the time of day. We’ve added a few top-rated maps to give you some inspiration for your next paddling adventure. 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Tettegouche State Park Map

Gatineau Park Summer - National Captial Commission

Are you ready to make the most of spring and try these top activities for outdoor enthusiasts? 

Explore the largest selection of maps available in the Avenza Maps App. Our map store features maps for hiking, camping, paddling, trail running, and many more outdoor activities. Give our app a try and navigate confidently on your next adventure, wherever you find yourself exploring next.