On March 19, 2024 spring, known as the Vernal Equinox arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. We usually celebrate the first day of spring on March 21. Kind of confusing (for me anyway) but time to start thinking of spring hikes. Early spring is mud season in the Adirondacks. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a mud advisory which is posted below.
Please avoid the following high elevation trails until trail conditions have dried and hardened:
High Peaks Wilderness — all trails above 2,500 feet specifically Algonquin, Colden, Feldspar, Gothics, Indian Pass, Lake Arnold Crossover, Marcy, Marcy Dam — Avalanche — Lake Colden, which is extremely wet, Phelps Trail above Johns Brook Lodge, Range Trail, Skylight, Wright, all “trailless” peaks, and all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond in the former Dix Mountain Area;
Giant Mountain Wilderness — all trails above Giant’s Washbowl, “the Cobbles,” and Owl Head Lookout;
McKenzie Mountain Wilderness — all trails above 2,500 feet, specifically Whiteface, Esther, Moose and McKenzie Mountains;
Sentinel Range Wilderness — all trails above 2,500 feet, specifically Pitchoff Mountain; and
Jay Mountain Wilderness — specifically Jay Mountain.
The DEC urges hikers to postpone hikes on Adirondack trails above 2,500 feet until high elevation trails have dried and hardened. This will help reduce negative impacts on all trails and help protect the natural resources throughout the Adirondacks during this time. But fear not, there are many hikes below 2,500 feet with beautiful trails and views to enjoy.
Below are examples of a few low elevation hikes which would be great during mud season. Be aware that on many hikes there is still some snow and ice to navigate so come prepared. Information and directions can be found online.
– Baxter Mountain
– Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain
– Rattlesnake Mountain
– Gilligan Mountain
– Snow Mountain
– Silver Lake Mountain
– Silver Lake Bog and the Bluffs
– Big Crow
– Mount Jo
– Mount Van Hoevenberg
– Beaver Meadow Falls
– Coon Mountain
– Heavenly Hills Trail (Lake Placid)
– Henry Woods Trails (Lake Placid)
– Clintonville Pine Barrens
– Owen, Winch and Copperas Pond Trails
– Champlain Area Trails (CATS)
Town of Plattsburgh Recreation (TOP Spring Adventurers) A free program open to all adults who need a boost to get started walking, want to find new places to walk, or new friends to walk with.)
On another note besides it being mud season, it is tick season. Protect yourself and your canine friends as best you can against those nasty, little bugs. So haul on your boots, grab your pack and get out there.
Happy Trails.