Welcome to mud season, and happy Spring!
Here's what you need to know about trails when the snow is melting and the ground is squishy:
The vast majority of trails in the Mad River Valley and Vermont are closed until the ground dries. Trails typically start to open up again in May or after.
Trails managed by the Mad River Riders, the Green Mountain Club, and the Catamount Trail Association are closed to all activities until an announcement is made by these organizations. You'll need to check with each group to find out when trails open, and not all trails will open at the same time.
The exception here in the MRV is a bunch of the Mad River Path. We keep the path open for the most part--the Mill Brook Trail will be closed until it dries out--probably in early May or so. Also keep an eye out for signage when some short sections may need to be temporarily closed because of excessively wet areas. Check out our trail map to see where the Mad River Path sections are located.
When a trail is open, but you find a wet or muddy spot:
It's best to go straight through the wet or muddy spot to avoid widening the damage.
If on a bike, it's best to dismount and walk through wet areas.
Always feel free to turn around and completely avoid sensitive spots.
Our many local dirt roads are a fantastic alternative to trails in the spring. Wear bright clothes and/or blinking lights.
Why it's so important to respect trail closures:
Trail damage is very time consuming to fix, and it can take funds away from more exciting projects.
Trails exist because generous landowners and land managers allow trails to be there. This remains true for public land. We must show our appreciation to these landowners who host trails.
Using trails when they're closed can lead to a good deal of erosion, which is really bad for our streams and the Mad River. Erosion can actually lead to dead fish and insects, and then harm everything up the food chain from there.
Sometimes trails are closed because people using them can unintentionally chase wildlife away from vital seasonal habitat. An example is a deer wintering yard, in which deer survive through the snowy months.
Head over to trailfinder.info and trailforks.com to see the status of all trails.
Thanks for taking the time to read this! By respecting trail closures, you are doing your part as a steward of our beloved lands. Have a happy spring!