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DEC Closes Seasonal Access Roads and Associated Gates
Due to 'Mud Season'
Published: March 20, 2026 at
01:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Closes Seasonal Access Roads and Associated Gates
Due to 'Mud Season'
Closures are Effective Immediately due to Spring Thaw
in DEC Region 5 and Region 6
Recreational Use Advisory for Backcountry Regions
Remains in Effect
Two upstate New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regions 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. All gate closures are expected by Friday, March
20.
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. Please visit DEC’s Backcountry
Information for the Adirondack Park webpage
for updates on road openings or for other areas
contact local DEC Office.
Affected counties:
DEC Region 5:
Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and
Washington counties
DEC Region 6:
Herkimer, Jefferson, Oneida, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties
DEC reminds
outdoor enthusiasts that a Recreational
Use Advisory for Backcountry Regions remains in effect. DEC is
committed to providing updates to backcountry conditions but urge
recreationists to reconsider backcountry excursions while conditions remain
unstable. Each year, experienced backcountry hikers unnecessarily risk
their lives attempting to cross dangerous water crossings in order to avoid a longer trip in the backcountry. DEC
advises all recreationists to know your route and multiple alternatives, be
prepared to wait for water levels to lower, and plan on
longer-than-anticipated detours.
“Mud Season”
presents unique challenges for recreation in early spring. 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. For tips on how to have a
safe and enjoyable experience, visit DEC’s Spring
Recreation webpage.
For information
about alternative recreation areas, visit DEC’s Find Places to Go webpage.
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