Responsible Hiking Practices During Mud Season – by Diana Moore

Diana Moore is an AMC New Hampshire Chapter hike & paddling leader and an ambassador for LGBT Outdoors New England Chapter.  She has an MFA in creative writing and a PhD in educational technology. She is a perpetual student of nature — including plants, trees and local wildlife, and an avid environmentalist with a deep-seated desire to protect the natural world and all the beauty, secrets, and natural cures she holds.

The mountains of New Hampshire attract hikers from all over the world all year around. Trails of all sorts offer a unique, if often messy, experience during the transitional period between winter and spring known affectionally as, “mud season.” This period, typically spanning early to late April to late May or even early June, presents hikers with a challenging landscape as the winter snowpack melts combined with spring rain to create a mixed bag of adventure for those willing to embrace the slop.

Challenges to Hikers During Mud Season

Hiking during mud season presents unique challenges regarding conservation of both our trails and the delicate ecosystems that surround them:

• Trail Damage: Hiking on saturated trails can cause significant damage, leading to erosion and trail widening.
• Slippery Conditions: Muddy trails are notoriously slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Water Crossings: Snowmelt often leads to swollen streams and rivers, making water crossings more difficult and potentially dangerous.
• Variable Conditions: Mud season conditions can change rapidly, with sunny mornings turning into wet, muddy afternoons. Hikers should be prepared for varying weather and trail conditions.
• Protecting Delicate Alpine Zones: Avoiding hiking in high elevation alpine zones is very important in the early spring. These zones are very fragile, and easily damaged when the ground is soft and wet.

Embracing the Mud: The Unique Rewards

While mud season presents challenges, it also offers unique rewards for hikers.

• Fewer Crowds: Compared to peak season, mud season sees fewer hikers on the trails, allowing for a more solitary and peaceful experience.
• Spring Blooms: It’s a special treat to find trillium and lady’s slippers among the spring wildflowers as they burst forth from the thawing ground.
• Rushing Waterfalls: This is the time to see the beauty of powerful waterfalls fed by snowmelt.
• Wildlife Viewing: As wildlife emerges from winter slumber, mud season can present increased opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Factors to Consider When Hiking During Mud Season

Mud season creates a layer of often slick mud that varies in consistency from thin slurry to thick, boot-swallowing muck. When choosing trails, consider the following:

• Elevation: Higher elevations retain snowpack longer, thus extending mud season at those levels. Conversely, lower elevations tend to thaw earlier, making them a good choice for spring hikes.
• Weather Patterns: Heavy spring rains exacerbate mud conditions, while warm, sunny days can help dry out trails.
• Sun Exposure: Trails with greater sun exposure tend to thaw faster than those in shaded areas.
• Soil Type: Certain soil types retain moisture more effectively, leading to prolonged muddy conditions.

Responsible Hiking Practices During Mud Season

Practice minimizing your impact on the trails and keeping yourself safe as well as those around you by considering the following guidelines:

• Walk Through the Mud, Not Around It: This is perhaps the most important rule. Veering off-trail to avoid mud widens the path, damages vegetation, and accelerates erosion. By walking directly through muddy patches, you concentrate the impact and help maintain the trail’s integrity.
• Trail Selection:
  • Choose Durable Surfaces: Hike trails with rocky terrain or well-drained surfaces, which are less susceptible to mud and erosion.
  • Lower Elevations: Stick to lower elevations, as higher altitudes retain snow and mud for longer periods.
  • South-Facing Slopes: These slopes receive more sunlight and tend to dry out faster.

• Avoid Fragile Areas: Stay away from alpine zones and sensitive vegetation areas, which are easily damaged when the ground is soft and wet.

• Check Trail Conditions: Know before you go. Check trail conditions and trail closures online or by checking in with friends or people in groups on Facebook or other social media.
• Be Prepared for Variable Conditions: Mud season weather can change rapidly. Pack layers of clothing, rain gear, and extra socks. Be prepared for slippery conditions and potentially treacherous water crossings. Wear appropriate footwear, such as waterproof hiking boots, and consider using trekking poles for added stability.
• Trekking Poles with Rubber Tips: Add rubber tips to your trekking poles to reduce soil disturbance.

• Be Flexible: Have a back-up plan (Plan B) in case the trail is too muddy.
• Respect Trail Closures: Honor all trail closures and advisories. These closures are in place to protect the trails and keep hikers safe. Ignoring closures can lead to significant trail damage and costly repairs.

By following these guidelines, hikers can help protect the mountains of New Hampshire and enjoy a safe and responsible mud season adventure.

Gear Recommendations

To navigate mud season effectively, consider the following gear:

• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Keeps feet dry and provides traction in muddy conditions.
• Trekking Poles: Provide stability and support on slippery trails.
• Gaiters: Help prevent mud and debris from entering boots.
• Rain Gear: Be prepared for unpredictable spring weather with a waterproof jacket and pants.
• Extra Socks: Carry extra socks in case your feet get wet.
• Navigation Tools: Carry a map and compass or GPS device, as trails can be obscured by mud and debris.

Leave No Trace and Give Back to the Land

No one is perfect, and it’s unrealistic to expect even the most fastidious hiker to not do some damage to the trails. Many hikers who are gridding practice good habits that maintain the trails they use regularly, even in mud season. Practice giving back to the land by looking for ways to improve the trails you hike:

• Trash Removal: Carry a small bag that you can use to collect any trail trash you find while hiking
• Trail Maintenance: Replace any dislodged rocks you come across. Cut back blowdowns with a small saw to prevent hiders from creating secondary routes by walking around the obstacle.
• Adopt a Trail: Become a trail maintainer with the AMC and give back through service. (If you are interested in adopting a trail, email us at )
• Set the Example: Be a role model for positive behavior. Set the expectation to follow good practices for those who hike with you. And hold people in our group and on the trail accountable to good practices
• Leave No Trace: Leave only footprints and take nothing but pictures. At the very least try to minimize and mitigate any damage you do on the trails.

Mud season hiking requires careful planning, preparation, and a willingness to embrace the messy conditions. By practicing responsible hiking techniques and respecting trail closures, hikers can minimize their impact on the environment and enjoy the unique rewards of this transitional season. While the trails may be slick and challenging, the sense of accomplishment, the beauty of spring blooms, and the solitude of fewer crowds make mud season a memorable and rewarding experience.

Special thanks to Stephanie Michelle Cawley for sharing her perspective as a Gridiot who knows the trails like the back of her hand and hikes respectfully during all seasons.