Kids Love Playing in the Mud and NY Wants Adults To Do It Too

Did you love playing in the mud as a kid? My parents would have to hose me off after those summer rains, as I marched my collection of "army men" through the muck. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation encourages you to do it again as an adult, but perhaps you should leave the troops behind.

The DEC directive concerns mud and water found on the hiking trails in the Adirondacks. As the spring thaw continues in the Adirondacks, many lower elevation trails remain muddy. Those conditions will continue as the higher elevation runoffs from snow and ice continue melting. When encountering mud or standing water on the trail the DEC wants you to walk through it, not around it.

Avoid damaging hiking trails and sensitive trailside vegetation and habitats
Wear waterproof hiking boots and clothing that can withstand mud and water
Walkthrough - not around - mud and water on trails
Walk single file directly down the center of the muddy trail

Again this week you're encouraged to stay in the lower elevations on any hikes. It's even suggested hiking southern facing trails as they dry sooner. Here are recommended trails to use from the DEC: