LOCALadk Magazine

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation LOCALadk | DEC Trails HIKERS SHOULD AVOID HIGH ELEVATION TRAILS DURING MUD SEASON W ith the arrival of spring in the Adirondacks – or more truthfully the arrival of spring conditions in the Adirondacks, as the two rarely coincide – hikers are eager to get back to the mountains that many have been away from over the winter months. However, trails and vegetation in the higher elevations are most vulnerable at this time of year, which those us who live in the Adirondacks affectionately and accurately refer to as "mud season." The deeper snow pack combined with colder temperatures in the higher elevations means it takes much longer for snow to melt. When the snow does melt, it saturates the thin soils found on the steep slopes of the mountains. Mix in the fact that much of the vegetation at these high elevations are surviving on the very edge of their existence – hence the "tree line" – and you can understand why adding just a few hikers to this situation can cause severe erosion and significant damage to trails and the surrounding wildreness areas. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) urges hikers to avoid hiking on high elevation trails during mud season. Specifically, all trails above 3,000 feet in the Dix, Giant, and High Peaks Wildernesses but, also any high elevation trails on steep slopes throughout the Adirondacks. Another aspect of avoiding the high elevation trails at this time is hiker safety. Hikers are more likely to slip and injure themselves on steep, wet, and muddy trails. Hikers are encourage to hike on lower elevation trails where snows melt sooner, soils are thicker and dry more quickly, slopes are gentler, and vegetation is less sensitive to damage from hikers. Lower elevation trails, even muddy ones, are less susceptible to erosion. Wherever you are hiking, the DEC encourages hikers to wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and to hike through, not around wet and muddy portions of trails to avoid widening the trails or creating "herd paths" around those areas. Hikers who wait for drier conditions will help protect natural resources and trail systems. Also, the trails will be in better condition later in the season, making for a safer and more enjoyable hike. u DEC's Adirondack Trail information web pages will notify hikers of the start and end of the mud season. These web pages provide information on trail conditions, trail and road closures with links to weather, hiker safety tips, and DEC regulations. Visit us on the web www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html for more information for more information visit mylonglake.com visit the town of Inlet ect Perf ack ond Adir arm Ch on Fourth Lake Don't Miss! • National Trails Day • Black Fly Challenge Bike Race • Ping Pong Ball Drop • Summer Concert Series • Arts in the Park • An Evening with the Symphony InletNY.com 866-GO INLET LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2013 11

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