Mud Season Madness: More Alternative Outdoor Activities in New England
Spring = Muddy Trails Everywhere
When your passions are hiking and skiing, this time of year is tough. Melting snow, rain showers, and bare ski trails. Winter is over. Spring hasn’t fully sprung yet though. Most hiking trails are either closed or full of mud.
You can call it mud season, stick season, or simply spring in New England. Regardless of what you call it, it’s a rough time for us outdoor enthusiasts so I want to expand upon what to do when the weather is less than ideal for our go-to outdoor activities. Here are some more ideas that won’t get you stuck this mud season!
Baird Farm in Chittenden, VT
Maple Syrup Tasting: Nature’s Liquid Gold
March and April mean one thing — maple syrup season! Many sugarhouses offer tastings and tours, and nothing fuels a New Englander’s spirit like a sugar rush. Vermont is a fantastic place to find maple farms that host tours and sell their products directly! We went to Vermont’s Maple Weekend in March and we had a blast learning all about the maple syrup manufacturing process and of course tasting all things maple! We always love to support small businesses and this is an absolute blast! After all, “supporting local agriculture” sounds way better than “ate four waffles for research.” Go support your local sugarbush. Take the tour, try a sample, and buy all the fresh maple products! You will be glad you did!
Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, RI
Lighthouse Hunting (No Actual Hunting Required)
New England has more lighthouses than Dunkin’ locations — well, almost. Hit the coast for some scenic views and the perfect Instagram backdrop. Fact: There’s zero chance of sinking in mud when you’re on a rocky shoreline! Every New England state has lighthouses worth the drive for. You can use google maps to locate one nearest you. Even Vermont has lighthouses on Lake Champlain! Many have tours or at least plaques that have historical information to read. The one pictured above has a trail along the ocean with amazing views that is an easy walk from the parking lot.
Tuckerman Brewing in Conway, NH
By now you know we love a good meal at a brewery after a hike, but here is a little known secret; we like to eat at breweries regardless of what we do. Some New England breweries have outdoor patios perfect for soaking up the sun (or huddling under a heat lamp — it’s still New England, after all). Others realize that it’s best to wait for the warm weather to have outdoor seating considering we have “fake spring” a few times every year. Many breweries are now brewing their own non-alcoholic beers along with their typical micro brews. Don’t underestimate their food. We have discovered that some of the best pretzels, pizzas, and burgers are from breweries!
Longley Covered Bridge in Montgomery, VT
Explore Covered Bridges
One of the things I have been known to do when I travel alone is to stop and admire one of New England’s many covered bridges. Each one has a story — or at least a great spot to dramatically stare into the distance while contemplating the meaning of life. Seriously, the history and the engineering of these covered bridges can be really interesting. Quite often they are located in picturesque settings as an added bonus. Google is a great tool to research where to find iconic covered bridges along your travel plans.
Sunrise at the Beach in Rye, NH
Scenic Drives: Let the Car Do the Hiking
One of my favorite things to do is to get in the car and take a long drive. New England’s backroads and coastlines are springtime delights. Waves, wildflowers, babbling brooks, and the occasional rogue turkey — it’s like a live-action screensaver. Roll down the windows, blast some tunes, and take in that fresh air that no longer stings the face. Go ahead and take that road that you have never been on before! You never know what you’ll find on this type of adventure. Don’t be afraid to stop the car, get out and get that amazing shot for Instagram. The seacoast is always a great destination with views!
Mud season may put a damper on your hiking plans, but it’s also a reminder that New England’s charm goes way beyond the trails. So embrace the chaos, laugh at your mud-covered car, and sip that well-earned maple latte.
And remember — the mountains will still be there when the ground stops trying to steal your boots in the mud.
Happy adventuring!
