Trail Updates

04/09/2026

A reminder for Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hikers and visitors that mud season is underway along the Trail in New England. Mud season occurs most dramatically in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine after the snow and ice melt and before the trails dry out in spring. Mud season typically lasts from late March until Memorial Day weekend in May. During mud season, the soil is saturated with water from snow and ice melt. This causes trails to become muddy and particularly prone to damage and erosion. A.T. access roads that are dirt may also be difficult to drive on due to soft, muddy ruts.

You can help protect the A.T. during mud season by staying off the A.T. and other trails above 2,500' in elevation where the soil dries out more slowly. Low elevation sections of the Trails, rail trails, bike paths, and dirt roads are good alternatives during this time.

Learn more about mud season and research alternative trail options.