1. Most trail erosion occurs in late winter when trail surface soils are soggy from water that cannot drain through the still frozen soil below. Limit your trail use until the frost is gone and trail surfaces are firm. 

2. Skirting around muddy trail sections creates wider and wider mud wallows.  To limit damage to vegetation, proper trail etiquette is to walk the center line of the trail straight through wet and muddy sections. You spent good money on your Gore-Tex^® boots -- put them to the test. 

3. Seeds of invasive plants that destroy native biodiversity march into new areas attached to your shoes and hiking boots. Prevent the spread of invasive plants by carefully cleaning mud and seeds from your footwear between hiking trips.

Want to take trail protection to the next level? Become a stewardship volunteer!