Spring Hiking Tips: Your Guide for Muddy Trails, Invasive Species and More

by Mandi Carozza March 22, 2025

Get outside this spring and stay out longer with these helpful hiking tips.

Spring is here, and so are the days of more sunlight and late sunsets. This means you have more time to get outside and crush your 52 Hike Challenge. That being said, there’s one spring-time obstacle that may still stand in your way.

As snow melts and spring showers pick up, you might encounter more mud on the trails. While muddy hiking trails aren’t the most desirable, these trail conditions are usually manageable.

Don’t let a little mud stand in your way of finishing your 52 hikes. At the same time, don’t let a lot of mud become unsafe for you, your hiking buddies and the land around you.

In this blog, we teamed up with our partner Oboz Footwear to help you:

Plan and prepare for muddy trail conditions
Practice proper trail etiquette while hiking in the mud
Know when to turn around instead of hiking on
Clean muddy hiking boots and shoes
Leave No Trace this spring season
Learn how to prevent the spread of invasive species

Keep reading to get all our hiking tips for an adventurous spring season!

Plan, Prepare & Gear Up for Muddy Trails

As always, do your research before hitting the trail. Check park websites and apps like AllTrails for trail conditions and closures. Plan accordingly based on the information you find.

Here’s some gear you’ll want to have during your spring hiking adventures:

Sturdy footwear. Wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes. Opt for pairs that offer a lot of traction so that you feel supported in the mud. You may also want to stick to a mid-cut type shoe that offers extra coverage from the elements.
Trekking poles. These will help you traverse slippery sections. Use poles for extra balance and stability while hiking through mud.
Gaiters. Keep your feet from getting submerged in water by wearing these protective coverings.
Extra socks. Have a dry pair of socks on hand in case your feet get wet.
Rain gear. Prepare for changing weather conditions and be ready to layer up.
Insect repellent. Springtime is notorious for mosquitoes and other biting insects. Avoid discomfort by traveling with protection. You can also spray your clothes with products like Picaridin, which will help keep bugs away.

Spring Hiking Tips for Proper Trail Etiquette & How to Leave No Trace in the Mud

Walk THROUGH the mud, not around it. This way, you’ll avoid creating a new side-trail, which goes against Leave No Trace principles.
Get off the trail to let others through. Be patient and courteous when sharing the trail with others.
If a trail is TOO muddy, select a different trail. Don’t risk ruining your hiking footwear, or worse, getting injured on difficult terrain.
Stay on the trail to protect wildflowers and new growth. Nature is especially delicate in the spring; let it do its thing and prevent trampling by staying on-trail. This goes for pets too!
Brush your boots before and after your hikes. This will keep your footwear performing well while preventing the spread of invasive species to other trail systems.

When & Why You Shouldn’t Hike On

There are times when even the most experienced hikers shouldn’t hike on. Here are three scenarios when you should end your hike early and head back to the parking lot:

If you encounter impassable standing water, do not try to be a hiking hero and wade through. Unexpected rain can cause water levels to rise, making it impossible to turn back.
If you stumble upon washed out sections of the trail, know the risks. Trail erosion is usually due to landslides or storm damage, making the ground unstable. This could result in a fall or injury.
If mud is thick and dense, you’re more likely to get stuck. This forms hiking 'pot holes,’ which leaves a dent on the land and puts you in potential danger.

When faced with uncertainty, it's always best to turn around. No summit, scenic vista or FKT is worth risking your safety and the safety of others.

How to Clean Muddy Hiking Boots & Shoes

Keep your hiking boots and shoes in prime condition by cleaning them regularly.

Here’s how in 5 simple steps:

Remove the laces
Rinse mud and brush difficult-to-reach spaces
Use a technical cleaning gel with a scrubber
Rinse excess cleaning gel and let footwear air dry
Once dry, apply waterproofing products to your shoes or boots

Click here for in-depth cleaning and waterproofing tips.

When you clean your hiking footwear regularly, you’ll make them last longer and prevent the spread of invasive species. Remember to brush your boots or shoes before and after each hike!

Cleaning Your Gear to Prevent Invasive Species

Did you know…

“Invasive species are organisms—plants, animals, or microorganisms—that are introduced to an environment where they are not native and cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health. These species often spread rapidly, out-competing native species and disrupting the natural balance of their new habitat.”

- PlayCleanGo.org

It’s our responsibility to make sure we do our part to reduce the spread and protect our places of recreation. This is especially important if we are hiking all over the nation or world. These organisms are known to hitchhike through our clothes, shoes and gear.

So, let’s do our part to be informed and take the time to brush our gear off before and after each outing. Our environment thanks you in advance.

Spring Hiking Gear Recommendations: Wear Waterproof Hiking Footwear This Spring

Need a new pair of shoes or boots for your spring hiking adventures?

We recommend wearing waterproof footwear so you’re well-equipped to handle muddy trails this spring. Check out the latest and greatest styles by our partner Oboz Footwear.

Women’s Hiking Footwear for Your Spring Hikes

Men’s Hiking Footwear for Spring Hiking:

Wishing you safe and happy trails from your hiking buddies at 52 Hike Challenge and Oboz Footwear!