Spring has sprung at Devil's Lake State Park, and with it comes a charming little…
Devil’s Lake State Park is a popular destination for hikers in Wisconsin, offering breathtaking views of the lake and bluffs. However, with the arrival of spring, comes mud season – a time when snow, rain, and melting combine to create very wet conditions. Hiking during this time can have major impacts on trails and our fragile ecosystems.
To ensure a safe and low-impact hike, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Hike in the middle of the trail – Walk down the middle of the trail to avoid trampling plants on either side of the trail. Some plants grow slowly, so while you’re trying to avoid the mud, you’re damaging the environment you want to enjoy during the summer months. Look at it this way: getting your boots muddy is an act of environmental conservation.
Embrace the mud – Once you accept the mud, you can prepare. Wear waterproof or water-resistant footwear. Keep a towel along with fresh socks and shoes (Maybe even spare pants!) in your car to dry off and change into at the end of your hike.
Avoid steep trails – stick to low elevations and south-facing slopes, as these tend to dry out faster. Durable surfaces like roads, paved trails, or rail trails are also great options at this time of year.
Hike at the right time – consider hiking in the early morning or late afternoon when muddy areas are colder and less messy. This can also reduce the risk of erosion.
Shared Responsibility
Trail maintenance is crucial to protecting the environment, and it is a shared responsibility between park staff, friends groups, and visitors. When trails are not properly maintained, hazards such as downed trees, broken staircases, and uneven pavement can lead to people walking around those obstacles, causing even more damage to the surrounding vegetation. Therefore, it is important for visitors to report any hazards they see on the trails to park staff and for the staff and volunteers to address them as quickly as possible. Together, we can ensure the preservation of our natural spaces for future generations.
Your Muddy Boots Tell The Story of Your Adventure!
Remember, it’s important to leave no trace and be mindful of the environment. Trampling causes vegetation damage and soil erosion in virtually every environment, and recovery can take years. By sticking to the designated trail, embracing the mud, and avoiding steep unpaved trails, you can enjoy a safe and low-impact hike in Devil’s Lake State Park. So grab your muddy boots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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