Late March and early April are typically referred to as mud season in Vermont, where snowmelt and rain saturate the trails, fields, and dirt roads. Hiking during mud season damages the trails and fragile alpine areas, so many are closed this time of year. Even on trails that are open, don't walk around mud; turn back. Plan to hike lower elevations while ground is soft. Be aware that conditions at the bottom of the trail may not reflect what's at the top, and be prepared to turn back if you're not prepared for snow and ice.
