April showers have brought May flowers. Grab a field guide, pick a trail, and get out there. These wildflowers are only here for a short time! Here are some of my favorite places for spring wildflower hikes.
Jamestown Community College, College Park
Located within the city of Jamestown, Jamestown Community College Park (also referred to as the 100 Acre Lot) is a trove of diversity in the midst of an urban area. Trails can be accessed from JCC’s campus or from the parking area here along Curtis Ave Ext.
The park surrounds both sides of Moon Brook and is a great place to take kids to splash on a warm summer day. In spring however, the wildflowers steal the show.
I walked the trails on the first weekend in May this year and saw more than 15 different wildflowers, many of which are pictured here.
Bent Run Waterfall, Allegheny National Forest
Located outside of Warren Pennsylvania, this easy-to-miss stop is right across Route 59 from the Kinzua Dam. There is a small parking area here.
Toothwort 
The bonus to this wildflower stop is the waterfall! Bent run cascades down the steep hillside creating a calm, picturesque scene as you walk along looking for wildflowers. It is less than a mile, though very steep, to where Bent run levels out at the top but even if you just parked at the bottom and traveled a few steps, you would get a nice look at the waterfall. Both wildflowers and water flow are best in spring!
Jamestown Audubon
I love this place so much! It is great ANY time of year but it is nice to see wildflowers blooming here each spring, just like the return of old friends.
The Jamestown Audubon has plenty of parking and trail use is free of charge. You can find out more information about the organization and its mission here.
My favorite trail for spring wildflowers is the newer backwoods trail. It is marked in purple on map found here.
Long Point State Park
Long Point State Park is located on the shore of Chautauqua Lake. Popular for its boat launch, the extensive trails are often overlooked. This is another great setting for early spring wildflowers! A trail map from the NYS parks website can be found here.
Zoar Valley
This is another area that I have really enjoyed visiting in all seasons. You can read about it here.
For this trip, we used the Valentine Flats access road and parking. In spring, the creek levels maybe too high and the water too cold to walk in the creek. The steep slopes along the walk down to the gorge protect many different wildflower species from deer making this another great spot to see a lot of biodiversity.
One added bonus to this spot is the greatest number of Jack-in-the-Pulpits that I have ever seen! Watch your step and tread lightly to protect these interesting plants.
McConnell’s Mills State Park
This spot is a little farther south so its flowers are blooming in April. It is a great day trip if you are getting impatient for spring in WNY. Located between Meadville and Pittsburgh PA, this park has a lot to offer including a covered bridge, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails. I suggest parking at the Kildoo Picnic area. From there you can walk down to the covered bridge and hike the 3-mile trail that loops each side of Slippery Rock Creek.
Where are your favorite spots for spring wildflowers? Share your favorite spot below and don’t forget to subscribe so that you never miss an adventure!
