Hiking in the Spring

I see people here posting about hiking right now (springtime), but I'm sure I've heard/read/seen it recomended that hikers stay off the trails during "mud season". Now that skiings finished for me I'm eager to begin hiking, but I'm not sure how acceptable it is to be hiking in the wet conditions of springtime. What are some of your thoughts?

Its mud season....wait til after memorial day to hike anything in the greens...

M

The Mud Season restriction is only in the Green Mountains in VT. Mud on the major trails of the Whites in NH isn't as much a problem, and there's no policy to request hikers stay off the trails.

Having said that, if you hike now in the Whites you will encounter mud. Don't go around it, hike right through it, embrace your inner child. It's important not to widen the mud pits, try to concentrate the impact to the spots already affected. Wear good boots, gaitors, and be careful where you step.

-dave-

You can also hike southern exposed trails where mud and snow are becoming increasingly rare.

For me, Hiking in mud is fun for about half a mile. Then, it's just wet.. and soggy and slow going.

I can wait a little for the mud to recede a bit.