Spring has arrived and your favorite mountain hiking trails will soon be open. Fresh green grass, wildflowers, and animal tracks in the soft snow are treats you can enjoy when you hit the trails in the early season. Stay safe and have fun this spring by keeping these tips in mind as your plan your hike.

Start out SlowHas it been a been a few months since your last hike in the fall? Go easy and start your season with an easy to moderate hike before you start scaling peaks and adding on the miles.

Help your Muscles & JointsHelp prevent soreness and injury by stretching after muscles warm-up (5 – 10 minute of hiking) and again at the end of your hike. Use of hiking poles can help ease early season aches in muscles and joints, especially your knees.

Watch Out for Mud *With recent rains and melting snow, trails are likely to be muddy. Keep your feet dry by wearing gaiters around your boots and ankles. If the trail is really muddy, consider waiting a few weeks to avoid trail erosion or slipping and falling.

Avoid Crossing Swollen CreeksSpringtime means rain and snow melt in creeks and streams. Small creeks in the summer can be swollen streams in the spring. Only cross streams you are comfortable crossing and remember that water is moving faster than you think and cold. Only cross creeks in pairs and use poles to help with balance.

Know Your TrailMany footpaths in the summer are masked with snow in the spring or overgrown bushes or weeds. Only hike on trails if you know where you are going and remember that following others footsteps in the snow or mud can be dangerous. Did they know where they were going? Carry a map if you are unfamiliar with the territory.

Layer, Layer, LayerSpringtime temperatures can be cool in the morning, sunny at lunch, and rainy in the afternoon. Be sure to set-off dressed in layers with extras in your backpack. A good windproof jacket, raincoat, and warm hat are a must to include.************************