Take good care of hiking trails this spring

After a winter of dynamic weather patterns in the Northeast, it's finally time to exchange your skis for hiking boots. It's also time to take special care of the region's trails. While AMC trail stewards repair winter damage that could harm surrounding land and water sources, hikers can also help promote healthy trails.

This year's snows in Southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, and high winds in the North Country, resulted in erosion from runoff and blowdowns on many trails, which hikers may come across this spring. In addition, hikers will find wet trails in many places from rain or snowmelt. Soils on wet trails will be less stable than in dry weather: The treadway will be softer, and the trails will be more sensitive to foot traffic.

If you're planning a spring hiking trip, it's helpful to keep a few points in mind:

• Plan ahead. In general, select a route that is on higher, drier ground. However, note that at higher elevations, snow lingers and the ground may be wetter while trails at lower elevations may actually be drier. South facing slopes also tend to dry out earlier.
  
  
• Stay in the middle of the trail, even if it's wet or muddy. Going around mud will likely trample surrounding vegetation, and can permanently widen the trail as others follow in your steps.
  
  
• If the trail is so muddy that you can't stay in the middle, turn around and consider trying another trail.
  
  
• Report major trail problems, such as wash-outs or large blowdowns. Most AMC guidebooks note who has responsibility for each trail.