Mud Season: To hike or not to hike?

“We're in the freeze/thaw cycle here in Michigan and the trails are really muddy.

Our state mountain bike organization (MMBA) is really good about warning its riders not to ride on trails until things dry out - so as not to damage trail.

My question: should we be doing the same thing? Does hiking in this season do permanent damage?”

“Put on yer gaitors...AND GO!!!”

“Boots don't cut into ground like tires do.”

“I think as long as you are careful not to enlarge any muddy areas it would be ok.”

“Just hike through the mud. Don't widen the trail by walking around the mud.”

“I wish the bikers around here were more conscience of the damage that they do, whenever it is muddy I run and don't bike. Just stick to rocks when you can and make it deeper not wider.”

“The bikers in MI are NOT mud conscious. (At least in our area) There are signs posted but the trails are a foot below grade at least and they run like rivers in spring. We were out Sat in muddy, icy conditions and there were tire tracks on the trails and bike racks on vehicles in the parking area.

Boots don't create as much friction as a bike tire. I don't think you'd do any damage as long as you don't drag your feet.:o)”

“Go hiking, but stick to the biking trails! This time of year is the best time to set up neck snares, ala Steve McQueen in 'The Great Escape.'”

“Be sure to get the mud off yer feet befor you get in the tent or else yer DADDY WILL YELL AT YOU! and cry like a baby puppy.”

“HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
That's funny bacpac!!”

“Actually, I saw one study that found mtb tires generally were not much different than lug-soled hiking boots. It depended on the tread pattern, and the pressure on the trail. Bikers tended to cause more erosion when they were braking vigorously (causing the wheel to lock up and grind), while hikers tended to cause most problems on inclines where they dug in for traction.

Best advice here has been to not widen the trail, no matter what your conveyance.”

“Talk about damage you should see what the ATV's are doing to the forests in PA. There being ripped to shreds and everwhere they go litter follows.”

“If mountain bikers would build a few trails they would appreciate them. They don't so they won't.”

“hikers and mountain bikers agree on ONE thing...














...horses SUCK!!!”