Trails to cheers 2023

In Vermont, mud season often gets whispered about—spoken of as something to avoid, endure, or escape. But in the Northeast Kingdom, mud season isn’t a flaw in the calendar. It’s a transition , and an important one. At The Wildflower Inn, we see mud season not as downtime, but as a pause—a chance for the land to rest, reset, and prepare for what comes next. What Mud Season Really Means Mud season happens when winter loosens its grip, but spring hasn’t fully arrived. Snow melts. The ground thaws. Trails soften. Roads tell stories. It’s not messy by accident—it’s the natural result of a landscape waking up after months of snow and cold. And while it may change how we move through the NEK, it doesn’t mean adventure stops. It just looks different. Why Mud Season Matters This season is essential for the health of the land. When trails are given time to dry: Soil structure stays intact Erosion is minimized Trail systems last longer Future seasons are better for everyone Choosing patience now means better riding, hiking, and exploring later. Adjusting Expectations (Not Canceling Plans) Mud season isn’t about cancellation—it’s about adaptation. This is the time to: Trade technical trails for gravel roads Swap long hikes for shorter walks Explore towns, shops, and quiet corners Slow your pace and notice what’s changing The NEK has a way of rewarding those who pay attention. Beauty in the In-Between There’s something special about this in-between season. Snow still clings to shaded woods. Streams run high. The air smells like earth instead of ice. The first signs of green begin to appear. Mud season offers a kind of raw beauty—less polished, more honest. A Season for Thoughtful Travel Mud season asks visitors to be partners in stewardship. Wearing appropriate footwear, respecting closures, and choosing low-impact activities all help protect the places we love. At The Wildflower, we believe good travel means leaving places better than you found them. That mindset matters most in seasons like this. Spring Is Coming Mud season doesn’t last forever. It’s a short but meaningful chapter between winter adventure and spring energy. And when you embrace it for what it is—a season of transition—it becomes something to appreciate rather than avoid. Here in the NEK, we don’t rush the seasons. We let them happen. Stay Wild.