REMINDER: Seasonal roads across Region 6 are CLOSED for ‘Mud Season,’ the DEC says

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regions 5 and 6, which includes our local listening region (Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis & Oneida Counties), are closing snowmobile trails and mud gates to seasonal access roads on Forest Preserve, State Forest, and Conservation Easement lands due to spring thaw and muddy conditions.

Motor vehicle use during the spring mud season damages roads, resulting in road opening delays.

DEC will reopen the roads once they are dry enough to safely handle motor vehicle traffic and necessary maintenance is completed.

Outdoor adventurers are reminded that in early spring, mud season presents unique challenges for recreation.

Weather is often volatile: rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and even thunderstorms can occur, sometimes on the same day.

Trails are muddy, and high, fast-moving waters make stream crossings on trails dangerous.

NYS DEC image.