Why Hikers Are Being Warned to Avoid Trails in Maine

With the unprecedentedly mild winter that we just experienced in the Pine Tree State, warnings are being issued about the dangers of hiking.

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And that’s extremely difficult to hear, especially with all of the fantastic hikes and trails that Maine has to offer. However, caution and safety should always be the priority when hiking, with the killer views coming in at a close second.

With this being one of the warmest winters on record, the defrost has caused early, unstable spring-like conditions, and folks should exercise care when choosing what kind of trails to explore in the coming months.

But why are these conditions dangerous for hiking?

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Warden Service issued a warning that as the snow begins to melt and the days get warmer, it's important to stay attentive and keep certain pointers in mind before going out. Such pointers include telling someone who is not hiking with you where you are going and when you plan to return, and knowing that conditions will vary significantly across the state and at different elevations.

Additionally, research your destination before you go, and recognize that many roads to Maine’s hiking areas are dirt roads that can become extremely muddy in the spring, and even impassable. The Maine Warden Service warns you to stick to places you are familiar with or close to home in the spring and save the bigger adventures for later in the hiking season when trails are drier and more stable.

Furthermore, the snow and ice on the trails are thinner now, which makes the trek more slippery.

The warmer temperatures than usual will melt the ice even more, making the trails extremely dangerous.

In 2020, the Maine Warden Service saw a higher-than-normal number of searches in April and May, accounting for nearly 20% of all hiking rescues for the year. Many of these searches were due to people hiking trails covered in snow, ice, and mud.

If you go hiking this season, keep these things in mind!