Where to Go Hiking in Spring

Looking for a place to hike so you can participate in our Mountain Days Spring Virtual Challenge? Don’t go high, stay low.

High elevation hiking trails in Vermont are usually closed in spring until late May. The reason is higher trails are very susceptible to damage at this time of year. As the snowpack melts and the ground slowly thaws out, water is released at the trail surface and creates muddy conditions. Heavy foot traffic from hikers in the spring compacts the soil, making drainage more difficult and eventually leading to trail erosion. Hikers also tend to walk around muddy spots, trampling vegetation and widening the trail.

To protect high elevation trails, hikers are urged to seek alternative spring outings at lower elevations. Look for places to hike below 2,500 feet, the Green Mountain Club advises, as lower trails usually dry out sooner. Also try to stay on more durable surfaces like dirt roads and bike paths, as these places tend to have better drainage and can more easily handle foot traffic during Vermont’s mud season.

To find trails for your spring outings, check out these resources:

• Trailfinder.info has a map with more than 40 places in Vermont to explore in the spring, including rail trails and recreation paths.
• The Green Mountain Club offers 17 suggestions for mud season day hikes in Vermont. You can also call the club’s visitor center at (802) 244-7037 or stop by the club’s headquarters on Route 100 in Waterbury Center.
• Vermont State Parks lists more than 30 recommended locations (scroll down the page to the section on mud season hiking).

When you are preparing for a hike or are out on the trails this spring, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check weather reports. It may be sunny and dry at your home, but the conditions could be very different where you are planning to hike. Always check the latest weather forecast for your destination before heading out.

• Pack essential gear. Conditions can change quickly in Vermont and hikers need to be prepared. Be sure to pack the 10 essentials of hiking to ensure you have a safe trip.
• Check trail status. Even lower elevation trails can sometimes be closed in the spring, so check the status of your intended destination on Trailfinder.info to make sure it’s open.  
• Pay attention to trail signage. At the trailhead, if you see a sign that says the trail is closed, please respect that and go somewhere else for your hike.
• Turn around if the trail is too muddy. If your boots or shoes are sinking in more than half an inch, it’s time to turn around and go back to the trailhead. Please help prevent trail damage by not continuing to hike on a muddy trail.
• Walk through puddles, not around them. Staying on the trail when there is a puddle will help protect vegetation on the side of the trail and prevent trail widening.

After a long winter, going for a hike on a warm spring day feels great. We hope you’ll use the resources in this article to find appropriate places to go hiking this spring and get your body ready for more challenging high elevation hikes this summer. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos of your springtime outdoor adventures and share them with us!