As the ground begins to thaw and rain and melting snow saturate the earth during late winter and early spring, hiking trails become especially muddy. This is known as mud season. Some parks ask hikers to remain off the trails during this time, while others remain open but should be treated with caution.

If you can't wait to get a jump on the trails this spring and plan to brave mud season hiking, keep these considerations in mind:

Hiking Safety Tips

Hiking trails can change dramatically during mud season, and a trail you know well during the summer can throw you for a loop in early spring.

--Trailheads that seem dry can lead to increasing mud as you continue to climb.
--Runoff causes streams to swell up, while ice and snow can stick around at higher elevations well into late spring.
--Rocks may have become loose and unstable due to water seeping into crevices and freezing, then thawing. Rockfalls are more likely during this time.

When hiking this early in the year, it's a good idea to play it safe and stick to fairly flat trails at lower elevations and in hardwood forest areas. The safest trails are usually the designated recreation paths in parks and forests.

While hiking, exercise caution, particularly when climbing over rock scrambles. Try not to stop beneath outcroppings or steep rock walls. If a trail becomes especially muddy, evaluate the situation before continuing:

--Will this trail become steep enough to be unsafe in the slippery mud?
--Are mudslides a hazard due to rises or drop-offs near the trail?
--Will the mud slow the hiking party down enough to deter you from reaching your destination in a reasonable length of time?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, your safest bet is to turn around or choose another path.

Protecting the Environment

Not only do trails become more dangerous during mud season, but nature becomes more vulnerable. Soil becomes especially susceptible to erosion, and a high-traffic mud season can cause permanent damage to some trails. Never trample through the vegetation on the side of a trail in order to go around a muddy spot.

A lot of traffic in early spring can also cause the trail to require more maintenance during the rest of the year. Some parks departments will spread wood mulch on popular trails in order to make them safer for hikers. A heavy population of pine trees can offer a natural mud deterrent, as pine needles mix well with the mud to produce safer walking beds.

Bringing the Right Hiking Gear

Essential gear for mud season hiking is much the same as for any other time of year, with a few additions:

--Thick socks and sturdy hiking boots with good traction. At higher elevations, it's wise to bring crampons and trekking poles for extra help past the slippery areas.
--Long pants or jeans to protect your legs and keep you warm if the weather turns.
--A waterproof jacket or poncho in case of a downpour.
--Plenty of food and water.
--Emergency supplies such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, an LED flashlight and a cell phone. It's also good to keep a survival knife or multi-tool on hand.

Hiking during mud season can be rewarding, but it does require extra planning, extra caution and extra attention to the needs of the environment.

~Ben Nystrom, 2010