Mud season means waiting to hit the high trails
April 12, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout With snow melted and spring in the air, forestry and recreation experts urge the public to hold off when it comes to getting out on the trails to hike and bike until they are sufficiently melted and dried out.
Biking on muddy trails can cause damage in springtime. Vt. Forests, Parks & Recreation photo
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation reminds the public that many state trails are closed during mud season which can easily extend to Memorial Day in higher elevations.
Trails are wet and muddy due to snow melt, thawing ground, and spring rains. Staying off trails for a few more weeks will protect sensitive vegetation and reduce erosion and damage so that trails are in good shape for the summer and fall hiking and biking season.
“We encourage the public to get outside this spring, but to avoid closed and muddy trails,” said Becca Washburn, the state’s Director of Lands Administration and Recreation. “Enjoy the spring sunshine on open trails, like paved and gravel bike paths, and save the summit destinations for summer.”
Keegan Tierney is the director of Field Programs for the Green Mountain Club, headquartered in Waterbury. “We’re grateful to the Vermont hiking community and all the steps they take to be good stewards of our trails and fragile mountain environments. During mud season, we remind all hikers to do their part in protecting Vermont’s natural landscapes and rare alpine vegetation by avoiding high-elevation muddy trails and exploring low-elevation durable surface alternatives,” Tierney said.
Mud Season tips courtesy of the Green Mt. Club. Click to enlarge.
Mountain bike trails are especially susceptible to damage during mud season, said Nick Bennette, executive director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association.
How can you tell if a trail is ready to ride? “If your tires leave a noticeable rut in the trail, turn around and find a durable surface to ride elsewhere,” Bennett said. “If you encounter a puddle, ride on the dry area of the trail or straight through if there is none. Mountain bikers can show our commitment to being a community of responsible trail users by using these simple guidelines and some common sense to protect our trails.”
Mud Season trail tips
Check trail status. Official closures and trail conditions vary widely throughout the state. Check resources such as Trailfinder.info, Green Mountain Club Visitor Center (802-244-7037), and VMBA Trail Conditions to find out what trails are closed or open near you. Spring weather is variable; even if a trail is marked as open, please proceed with caution.
Visit the Green Mountain Club’s headquarters and visitors center on Vermont Rt. 100 in Waterbury Wednesdays-Saturdays. Get hiking suggestions and tips; sign up for a workshop. The Green Mountain Club has an entire list of Mud Season recommended hikes on its website here.
Turn around in muddy conditions. If you encounter conditions you are not prepared for, please turn around. It keeps you and the trails safe.
Seek durable surfaces. There are plenty of ways you can get outside. Seek out durable surfaces to hike or bike on, like gravel roads, paved roads, rail trails, and bike paths, as these are more resilient to mud season. Use resources like Trailfinder.info or the Green Mountain Club’s website to discover new, open trails in your neighborhood. Try new fun spring activities like paddling, gravel biking, birdwatching, fishing, or turkey hunting.
Avoid hiking in the alpine zone to protect rare and fragile vegetation. It takes careful stewardship to protect these environments so they can continue to thrive. Foot traffic through the mud causes soil compaction and erosion, which makes it harder for these plants to take root and survive in their environments.
Respect trail signage. Local VMBA chapters often post signs regarding closures. Please respect these signs, and even if a trail appears to be open, if you arrive and discover muddy conditions or notice your bike tires are leaving ruts more than ½-inch deep, turn around and ride elsewhere. Trail conditions can change rapidly during mud season, so please don’t use the lack of a closure – either physical or online – to justify poor judgment.
Check weather reports. Weather conditions will differ at higher elevations. It may be sunny and warm in town but windy, slippery, snowy, or cold on the mountain. Check weather reports for your destination and always be prepared with extra layers, traction, and a contingency plan, including turning around or seeking an alternative place to hike.
Learn more about mud season in Vermont. Why does Vermont get so muddy, and why is it important to protect the trails this season? Explore the science behind the mud, become familiar with spring wildflowers and wildlife, and keep track of your mud season experiences with mud season bingo.