Ride Dirt, Not Mud (March 15 – May 1)

Help support our local singletrack by not riding muddy trails during our spring thaw. Many forest trails in our region have a mix of snow, mud and partially frozen ground through April. Wet and muddy trails are more at risk to damage than dry trails. Let’s preserve the land and the efforts of trail builders by staying off muddy trails and always practicing “leave no trace” principles.

In our region, Chenango Valley State Park dries out faster than any other location.  Aqua Terra, Hammond Hill, and Oakley Corners generally dry out quickly too (once the snow melts). Locations like Morgan Hill, Shindagin Hollow, Bear Swamp, and Jenksville state forests take the longest to dry. The forest trails at the highest elevation, like Hammond Hill, Morgan Hill, and Shindagin Hollow, often retain snowpack into April.

Protect trails by using forest roads and gravel paths until natural surface trails dry out this spring. Get involved with your local trail stewardship group and see what you can do to help improve trail conditions this spring!

Don’t use trails when they are thawing and muddy. It’s too muddy if there’s standing water on the trail or when your shoe, tire, or hoof leaves a track in the mud.