Though I love hiking in the winter, with the open woods, open views, lack of reptiles and insects, sparse human contacts, and no sweat (if properly layered with proper clothing), spring is an amazing time to watch nature and the Earth be reborn. This is the prime time of the year to see new life emerging and experience the transformation from stark grey tree trunks and dead leaf litter on the ground to various hues of green and the spectacular palette of spring wildflowers.