BOISE, Idaho —
Boise Parks and Recreation wants to remind the public to avoid using muddy trails as we head into winter and begin to experience more cold and wet weather conditions.
When hikers, bicyclists, horse riders, and even pets travel on muddy trails it can lead to trail damage and erosion.
Trail damage and erosion can occur on muddy trails when:
- Drainage structures, that divert water runoff and help prevent erosion, are trampled and flattened making them ineffective and leading to additional mud and erosion concerns.
- The public travels on vegetation adjacent to the trail to avoid the mud, which kills vegetation and widens the trail.
The public can help preserve local trail systems by:
- Staying off muddy trails
- During the winter months, travel earlier in the morning when trails are still frozen.
- If people encounter very short sections of muddy trails, it’s better to travel through the mud, rather than alongside the trail, which kills vegetation and widens the trail.
- Learn about daily trail conditions by visiting Ridge to Rivers’ website or Facebook page.
People can also visit Ridge to Rivers to learn more about winter trail use, including a list of trails that should be avoided during wet and muddy conditions and all-weather trails to consider instead.
Another alternative to traveling on muddy trails is to utilize the Boise River Greenbelt and other paths throughout Boise's parks.
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