DEC issues trail advice

Agency: Walk though mud, water

TROY, N.Y. » Those taking to the Adirondack trails early in the hiking season might be tempted to walk around large sections of mud and water, but the state is asking hikers to walk through them instead.

While spring has arrived for lower elevation trails, paths higher up may still have snow and ice, according to the state De- partment of Environmental Conservation. Trails that are steep with thin soil are particularly vulnerable. Hikers are asked to practice “Leave No Trace” principles to protect the trails from erosion.

According to a release from the DEC, hikers are asked in particular to: Avoiding damaging the sides of trails, wear waterproof footwear and other clothing, walk through mud and water, and to walk single file in the center of the trail.

Walking around mud, water, and other obstacles causes “trail creep,” where the trail widens, damaging surrounding vegetation that wildlife in the area depends on. It also wears the trails down, causing roots and stones to come up, which can be slippery when wet and more dangerous in general.

Sticking to drier trails in general is being recommended, according to the DEC.

Some trails to consider early in the season are:

• High Peaks Wilderness: VanHoevenberg, and Jo.

•Giant Mt. Wilderness: Giant’s Washbowl, Roaring Brook Falls, and. Owl Head Lookout

•Hurricane Mountain Wilder- ness: The Crows, and Hurricane Mountain from Route 9 N.

•Jay Mountain Wilderness: Jay Mountain.

•McKenzie Mt. Wilderness: Baker Mountain, Haystack Mountain, and McKenzie Mountain.

• Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: Panther Mountain, Scarface Mountain, and Floodwood Mountain.

•Taylor Pond Complex: Catamount Mountain, Poke- O-Moonshine Mountain, and Silver Lake Mountain.

DEC recommends avoiding trails over 2,500 in order to protect wildlife and vegetation.