In early spring, mud season presents unique challenges for outdoor recreation. Weather is often volatile: rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and even thunderstorms can occur, sometimes on the same day. Trails are muddy, and high, fast-moving waters make stream crossings on trails dangerous. Seasonal access roads remain closed while they dry and spring maintenance is completed.
Guidelines for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience
Whether you are hiking, mountain biking or paddling, follow these guidelines to stay safe and protect trails and natural resources;
• Carry rain gear and other equipment for various weather conditions.
• Return to your vehicle if conditions worsen.
• Heed high water warnings and find a safer alternate route or trip.
• Banks along rivers and streams can be slippery and rocks may be icy from spray. Keep a safe distance away to avoid ending up in water.
• Avoid muddy trails as plants and trail surfaces are especially vulnerable to degradation and erosion
Hikers and Mountain Bikers
• Check trail conditions, advisories, and regulations.
• Trails are wet, slushy, or even icy in early spring; wear waterproof footwear, gaiters, and crampons.
• Avoid all ice. Ice on ponds, lakes and other water bodies is thinning and likely covered with water.
• Avoid snow/ice bridges over streams; they are weak and likely to give way.
• Walk through, not around, mud and water on trails to avoid trampling vegetation and widening trails.
• Bike only on dry and hardened trails. Biking on muddy trails damages tree roots and erodes trails, making them difficult and dangerous for riding.
Paddlers
• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) (required before May 1). Water temperatures are cold. A person in the water can quickly lose the ability to keep their head above water.
• Use caution entering and exiting your canoe or kayak.
• Heed high water warnings and find a safer alternate route or trip.
• Expect high water levels and swift currents. Research your trip ahead of time and heed any warnings or advisories for select paddling routes.
• Watch closely for trees, branches, rocks and debris both above the surface and underwater.
