Burlington, VT – Holiday hikers in Vermont and northern New York may face cold rain and even summit snow through Saturday, prompting safety reminders for those heading into the mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, many trails remain in various stages of mud season despite being open. Wet and icy conditions, especially at higher elevations, could make some routes hazardous through the weekend.
The Green Mountain Club and NWS urge hikers to avoid trails with visible mud, even if they’re not officially closed. If mud is unavoidable, walkers should stay on the trail—even walking directly through puddles—to prevent erosion. Summit areas may see snow, so durable footwear and warm, waterproof layers are essential.
Officials also recommend checking trail and weather conditions before departing, informing someone of your hiking plans, and bringing a fully charged cell phone in case of emergencies. The threat is elevated for those attempting hikes above 3,000 feet, where snow and freezing wind chills may develop.
Snow and rain could linger into early Sunday depending on elevation. Check weather.gov/btv/recreation for updated conditions and summit forecasts before venturing out.
