Backcountry Rescue Team issues Mud Season hiking safety warning
April 13, 2026 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Warming spring temperatures and receding snow may tempt hikers to hit the trails, but local search and rescue leaders urge outdoor enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution and patience during Mud Season.
Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team joins the Green Mountain Club and state officials in issuing a call for Vermonters to hold off for a few more weeks before starting the hiking season.
The local search and rescue team reminds the public that this early spring transition time represents one of the most hazardous times of year for backcountry travel in the Green Mountains.
“The biggest mistake hikers make right now is trusting the weather they see out their front window,” said Lt. Adam Mattessich with Waterbury Backcountry Rescue. “You might start your hike in a t-shirt or hoodie on a dry trail, but within 300 feet of elevation gain, you are back in a winter environment with slush, ‘monorails’ of slick ice, and high-velocity winds.”
Rescue officials highlight three primary concerns for this season:
Deceptive Conditions: Small changes in elevation can lead to drastic shifts in weather. Hypothermia is a significant risk when hikers get wet from mud or rain and are then exposed to freezing temperatures at the summit.
Terrain Hazards: Melting snow creates slick, unstable trails, increasing the likelihood of falls, sprains or fractures, and head injuries.
Ecological Impact: Hiking on high-elevation trails during the melt-off causes significant erosion and destroys fragile alpine flora. Many trails above 2,500 feet are officially closed by the state of Vermont during this period.
Waterbury Backcountry Rescue Team reminds the community that a cell phone and Gore-Tex don’t make you invincible. They recommend always carrying the Green Mountain Club’s recommended 10 essentials items:
Map and compass (and the knowledge to use them)
Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Extra clothing (moisture-wicking layers, no cotton)
Extra food and water
Fire starter and matches
First-aid kit
Whistle
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Rain/wind gear
Proper footwear, including microspikes for traction
“We want everyone to enjoy the beauty of Vermont, but we want you to come home at the end of the day,” Mattessich said. “If the trail is muddy, or you're not equipped, please turn around. The mountains will still be there when they’re dry.”
The Green Mountain Club and state Forest, Parks and Recreation experts advise Vermonters to stick to low-elevation paths and trails this time of year. They ask that hikers refrain from venturing onto higher-elevation trails until Memorial Day weekend for safety and to minimize potential damage to trails.
For more information on trail closures and conditions and suggestions for safe hiking locations this time of year, visit the Green Mountain Club website.