Trail Etiquette / Mud Season / Thaw Cycle Info
Trails are fragile when they are wet or thawing out! Wet trails are easily damaged, requiring time,
As with other trails systems in New England, SVT does not recommend you hike, run or ride bikes on trails until trails are dry. Sometimes this isn't until sometime in late April or May. Choose your adventure wisely this time of year!
As a non-profit trail stewardship organization that relies upon volunteers for annual and emergency trail maintenance we ask that you abide by the following when using our trails:
1) Before you head out, check SVT Trail Conditions. You should do this wherever you want to hike/bike anyhow as a regular practice.
2) Avoid trails when they are thawing (warm) or after rain. Go earlier or later in the day when trails are frozen.
3) Avoid leaving ruts & footprints.
4) Avoid going around puddles & ice,this widens trails.
5) Seek alternative, drier options if you can't follow the above
If you are unfamiliar with Mud Season protocol. we recommend reading this blog post by the Green Mountain Club.
Also watch this video by Leave No Trace Centers for Outdoor Ethics about Durable Surfaces.
Thank you ! We hope to see you at a Spring Trail Clean Up Day in the future!
Other Helpful Trail Info
SVT on TrailFinder
The SVT trail network and gravel ride network are on TrailFinder.info !
Use this resource to find other trail networks in Vermont by type of activity, location, etc!
Trail Maps
SVT Trail Maps and information under Foot or Bike.
Don't' forget about the SVT Gravel Ride network . We have PDFs and links to the waypoints!