The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has sent out guidelines for keeping newly-opened trails as safe as possible for everyone. The signs of spring are hard to miss right now. Birds are chirping, seeds are sprouting and the trails are…muddy. Remember: share the trail and be extra careful on muddy or rutted trails.
Be sure to remember these steps to help keep the trails safe and useable for everyone:
- Try to use hard surface trails like asphalt or stone rather than native surface or dirt/grass trails this time of year.
- Think before you sink; if you leave tracks, turn back and try another trail.
- Seek out trails in sandy areas that drain well.
- If you come across a muddy, wet or icy section of trail and cannot turn back, go right down the middle and embrace the mud – do not go around it and widen the trail tread, which can damage habitat.
- Avoiding muddy trails now helps limit closures and repairs later.
- Watch for unsafe conditions like slippery areas or areas covered in water. Walk your bike and go slowly.
Learn more about spring trail etiquette.
Get out to explore more and find a new-to-you park to visit.
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