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

Brewery Visits

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!

5 Mud Season Activities to do in New England, That Won’t Get You Stuck in The Mud.

1. The View from the Top of the Prudential Center

Boston is packed with incredible things to do, from exploring unique art museums to touring the historic Fenway Park to indulging in the city’s amazing food scene. You might end up broke, but you’ll never be bored! Even on the muddiest of mud season days, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors.

One of the best new experiences we tried this year was The View at the top of the Prudential Center. Tickets are $25 per person, and while you do book a time slot, there's no rush once you're up there—you can take your time enjoying the views from each level.

The experience starts at the highest point of the Prudential Center, offering a stunning 360º indoor view of the city. Head down one level (my personal favorite), and you’ll step outside for the same breathtaking views—but with the added thrill of feeling the wind at this height. Looking down at Fenway Park or Logan Airport from here just hits differently!

On the next level down, the experience continues with a detailed model of Boston, complete with projections of the city through different seasons, as well as huge interactive screens that help you learn more about Boston’s rich history.

2.  Mud season also means maple season, and that means it's time for Baird Farm's Maple Open House Weekend! 

This event is happening on March 22 and 23, and I can't wait to check it out. If you can’t make it, be sure to visit their website for future events—you can even schedule a tour of the maple farm, which is available year-round. Maple syrup (and I mean the real deal) is a huge part of New England culture. In fact, Vermont produces the most maple syrup in the United States. While lobster rolls may get a lot of attention, maple syrup production is just as much a New England staple. The process is weather-dependent and typically begins in mid-February, depending on the location.  It is a fairly short season only lasting 4-6 weeks! Have to catch it while you can! Maybe we will see you at the event! 

3. Wicked Tulips in Exeter & Johnston, RI, or Preston, CT (Opening Early April)

This is another weather-dependent activity, but hey, that’s just part of life in New England! Visiting Wicked Tulips is such a fun springtime tradition—who doesn’t love fresh tulips? Tickets are $25 per adult on weekends and $20 per adult on weekdays, and each ticket includes 10 tulips. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your house for spring!

If you’re in Rhode Island and looking for more things to do, be sure to check out our Rhode Island highlight podcast, which is packed with recommendations for exploring the Ocean State any time of year!

4. Odiorne Point & Seacoast Science Center

This place holds a special spot in my heart. I love visiting year-round, but spring is especially nice—cool, quieter than summer, and absolutely gorgeous. Odiorne has plenty of trails to explore, though with mud season in full swing, I wouldn’t recommend all of them on an extra-muddy day. Instead, take a stroll along the ocean, soak in the views, and then head inside the Seacoast Science Center.

For $15 per person (ages 12+), or $10 for kids ages 3-11, this small but impressive aquarium is a must-visit for any ocean lover. The touch tank is stunning, and the exhibits, featuring local sea creatures, are always changing. You’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the Gulf of Maine.

After soaking in all that ocean magic, take a short drive into Portsmouth for some retail therapy and delicious food. My must-stop shops? Off Piste, Evie, Divergions, Nahcotta, Cottillion Bureau , Attrezie. And once I’ve worked up an appetite, I’m heading straight to one of my go-to spots: BRGR Bar, The Blue Mermaid, Anju Noodle Bar, Street, Popovers on the Square, Elephantine, or The Kitchen.

Honestly, I could (and maybe I have) spent hours wandering downtown Portsmouth with a coffee in hand, browsing the fantastic shops—definitely a fun way to embrace mud season!

5. Portland Art Museum & Portland Head Lighthouse

On a beautiful, muddy day, both of these activities offer a great way to get out of the house—enjoy some art and soak up those ocean vibes. The Portland Head Lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Being on the Maine coast, the lighthouse offers not only stunning ocean views but also cool spots to explore as you walk around the park. You can check out Battery Blair, the remains of Goddard Mansion, or Battery Keyes. As you stroll from point to point, you’ll have the chance to snap photos of the iconic lighthouse from every angle.

After spending time outdoors, head into Portland to visit the Art Museum. Admission is free for those under 21 (thanks to a generous donation from Susie Konkel) or $20 for adults. Once you’ve admired all the beautiful art, grab a coffee about half a mile away at Bard Coffee, or enjoy a meal at one of Portland’s amazing restaurants. We loved Black Cow Burger and Fries!