The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) are urging mountain bikers to avoid trails and closed seasonal access roads in the Adirondacks until these trails and roads have dried and hardened. Wet and muddy trails are easily rutted and damaged through use.

Trailside vegetation and trail surfaces are especially vulnerable to degradation and erosion during this time of year. Biking on muddy trails damages tree roots, erodes slopes, and widens trails, making them difficult for riding. DEC asks bikers to help protect the trails, natural resources, and surrounding habitats by checking trail conditions and advisories and avoiding all wet, muddy trails.

Bikes should also not be taken on seasonal access roads that are closed for mud season. These are also best left to dry and harden before being used.

Reports of mountain bike trail conditions in the Wilmington Wild Forest, Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, and networks in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes Region are reported by BETA on TrailForks.com. Mountain bikers are encouraged to check trail conditions reports before planning a ride.