Be respectful of trails when utilizing the outdoors

Spring means new trails and new opportunities for adventure in Wisconsin’s outdoors. It’s also a good time to remember to share the trail, and practice caution on muddy or rutted trails.

When traveling on muddy, rutted trails, try to use hard surface trails like asphalt or stone this time of year, rather than native surface or dirt/grass trails. If a person leaves tracks, turn back and try another trail.

Seek out upland trails or trails in sandy areas that drain well. If there’s a muddy, wet or icy section of the trail, and no place to turn back, go right down the middle and embrace the mud - do not go around it and widen the trail tread, which can damage habitat.

Avoiding muddy trails helps limit closures and repairs later. Be mindful of safety issues, like slippery areas or areas covered in water - walk the bike through it and go slowly.

Etiquette is also a big part of spring travel. Learn what types of trail use are permitted at the destination, and obey traffic (and other) laws and signs. Ride single file, or ride two or more abreast, if not blocking other traffic.

Walk with no more than two people across, to allow others to pass. All users should stay right, except to pass. Pass on the left of those being passed. When passing, move to single file and announce the passing. Slow down when maneuvering around other trail users.

Pets must be on a leash eight feet or shorter, and kept under control. Keep the pet out of the path of oncoming or passing traffic. When possible, walk with the pet on the outer edge of the trail.

Be sure to pick up litter.

Also, be considerate all trail users and keep a physical dis tance of six feet between those outside the group.