Pick your perfect York hike with this guide

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By the time spring rolls around I'm absolutely itching to be outside in fresh, lukewarm air. To celebrate the season's arrival I did five hikes over the course of a few weeks. I'm new to hiking, so this was an excuse to try something new, fail miserably at times, get a little lost, see parts of the county I had no idea existed and learn about the different kinds of trails we have in southcentral Pennsylvania.

Here's a snapshot of each of the hikes. For more detailed accounts, check out ydr.com.

Otter Creek and Urey Overlook on the Mason-Dixon Trail

Unplug and commune with nature on this 6 mile hike on the Mason-Dixon Trail. Within five minutes you feel like you're deep in the woods. Once you make it to the creek, you'll want to stay there. This hike has a few sets of switchbacks — when the trail goes back and forth across an incline to make it less steep. For the average person this hike is doable but if you have bad knees you'll want to take it slow, or possibly skip this one. The rest of the hike is relatively flat, and runs alongside Otter Creek as it winds through the woods. There are no stray traffic sounds — just you, the flowing water, and the woods. If you're looking for a peaceful hike with plenty of places to dip your toes in the water, this ones for you.

Trout Run and Shenk's Ferry

Trout Run trail in Lancaster County takes hikers on an easy 2 mile out-and-back along Trout Run. This hike is great for kids, adults who have a short attention span or someone who wants to try hiking on a small scale. There's birds, mini waterfalls and short hills to hold the interest of even the most squirmy 6-year-old — and you don't need to dedicate an entire day to the outdoors.

If you want to extend your stay in Lancaster, stop by Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve on your way out of town. I passed a sign for the preserve after hiking Trout Run and couldn't resist. This last-second choice turned a good afternoon into a great one. Shenk's Ferry is a flat and easy walk surrounded by wildflowers. The path is so vibrant compared to the otherwise muted colors of early spring that it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Lake Williams

This 7-mile hike is a perfect half-day trek if you're not comfortable being deep in the woods but still want to be surrounded by nature. Various loops let you plan a route that's the right length and difficulty for you and your hiking companions. I connected trails No. 2 and No. 4. From lake views to a tree covered hill to a hidden stream, the terrain varies so much, you'll feel like you're doing several hikes at once — a bonus for the easily bored hiker.

Mill Creek Falls and Lock 12 on the Mason-Dixon Trail

Stunning waterfalls are the highlight of this hike. Follow the Mason-Dixon Trail alongside the Susquehanna River and explore the Lock 12 Historic Area, do some rock hopping if the water is low, then walk through the ruins of an old mill. After a mile of adventuring you'll come to the falls and follow the trail up for a half-mile. Each turn on this path brings a new set of falls. This short hike is perfect for a family outing or memorable date. Plus the waterfalls provide an envy worthy backdrop for your "I went on a hike" selfie.

Peter's Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

In it for the views? This hike won't disappoint. If you do the full 6- to 7-mile loop you'll be rewarded with views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding areas from several vantage points. This is a good chance to test your hiking boots — and you'll want them as you scramble over rocks to reach the top and along the ridge. This is a mountain, so expect to put in some effort as you climb through a series of switchbacks. The rocky terrain will slow you down, but that gives you time to take in your surroundings. This hike was the most challenging of all the ones I did, but now I can say that I hiked part of the Appalachian Trail. Totally worth the effort.

Hiking Tips from Tim Schmidt, president of the Mason-Dixon Trail system, secretary of the York Hiking Club.

• Bring a map. Paths have twists, forks, and intersections with other trails. It's best to be prepared even for a short hike.
• Bug spray is your friend. Spring is tick season so wear bug spray, tall socks, and stay out of tall grass. Check yourself and your hiking companions (including those with four-legs) after any outing. 
• Feed the beast. Bring food and water. During a spring hike you won't sweat as much as in summer, but you still need to hydrate. Granola bars, almonds, or energy bars don't add a lot of weight but will keep you happy.
• Wear proper footwear. Especially in spring, trails can be muddy. Wear something sturdy on your feet and expect that something to get dirty.