11 Tips for Hiking Muddy Trails | No Mud No Fun!

Last updated on April 13th, 2021 at 11:00 pm

Spring is the season we are all anxious to get outside and do some exploring. Spring is also the time of year that brings more difficult wet terrain… in the form of MUD!! Muddy trails can make it difficult (or sometimes impossible) to complete a hike, but fear not, outdoor enthusiasts! We have 11 tips for hiking muddy trails that will help you confidently take on your next messy adventure.

1. Determine Whether the Trail Can Be Hiked

So, you’re hiking along and suddenly the trail ahead turns to mud! What do you do? Well, first, look at the trail – how muddy is it?…

Are your boots going to come off with each step?
Is it a total swamp?
Will it harm the ecosystem and contribute to trail erosion if you continue onward?

Many organizations will discourage you from taking on these muddy trails, Leave No Trace as an example. And, depending on how sloppy the terrain ahead is you should take these suggestions to heart.

You can always search for another trailhead with drier terrain, or wait a week or so to hike that specific trail.

Just remember that if you want to enjoy the natural world, you should work to be a good steward of the natural world. Sometimes this means skipping the hike. Luckily a number of the tips in this post provide suggestions about selecting a trail without mud (or with less).

2. Hike Earlier in the Morning (Mud is More Solid)

If you can get motivated to do a morning hike, this can make life much easier for that muddy hike. The cooler nighttime temperatures can help the mud stay a little more solid before it’s had a chance to warm up with daytime sun.

An early morning hike can also help to keep you from feeling overheated as you’re navigating muddy terrain. It takes a lot of hip and thigh muscles to trudge through mucky trail. You can really work up a sweat!

You will also have the benefit of the trails being less traveled during the morning hours, making less tracks through the mud to contend with. The beauty of the wildlife in the morning will be well worth your boots needing that extra cleaning later on! What is better than seeing the world just as the day is getting started?

3. Pick a Trail with Sun Exposure if Possible

Picking a nice sunny trail will be helpful if you’re traveling through a mud pit. The sun will keep you warm, and also will help to dry out the trails that have gotten wet and muddy.

If you have the option of going down a path that is dark and muddy or one that is bright and muddy, which would you naturally pick? The bright and muddy, of course!

Being cold and dry on a trail is always better than being cold and wet.

4. Hike Through the Center of the Trail!

When hiking, be sure to stay to the center of the trail. This is very important because it keeps the trails stable. If all hikers continue to avoid the mud and hike around the sides of puddles and muck it will eventually widen the trail. This contributes to erosion.

According to the American Hiking Society, this is not a sustainable practice. So, in short, just stick to the center of the trail… even if it submerged your entire foot.

Hiking off the path can disrupt sensitive ecosystems, and that is not cool of you. You may have a mess to clean up on your boots, but it will be worth it to keep the trails you love healthy.

5. Take Clothes You Don’t Mind Getting Dirty

Since we’re talking about mud, let’s get to the basics of what you’ll be wearing. Make sure whatever clothing you’ll be wearing is something COMFORTABLE, but also something that you won’t mind having to toss in the washer.

Cotton clothes are breathable and easy to clean. If you’ll be hiking on a particularly cool day, consider wearing wool. Wool can keep you warmer, even if it gets wet, although not quite as nice of a cleanup!

6. Wear the Correct Footwear

Correct footwear is extremely important when hiking muddy trails. Improper footwear can turn a fun experience into a miserable one, quickly!

Below is a close up picture of my trail hiking boots after a muddy hike. Yes, I cleaned them off, but note how well the leather held up, and also note how serious the tread is

I know everyone has their own preference as to whether durable running shoes or hiking boots are better for hikes, but for a muddy adventure, I am always going with a waterproof hiking boot that extends above my ankle.

If you are trying to figure out what you should wear on your feet during a muddy hike, take these suggestions into consideration:

Hiking boots should be durable: You are going to be taking on sloshy deep mud. Whatever you wear on your feet it needs to be able to handle this.
Waterproof vs Not Waterproof: This is a controversial topic in ways, but it partially depends on how far you plan on hiking. We are going to have a post that covers the specific debate on waterproof vs not-waterproof. Until then, it really comes down to personal preference (some prefer to let water and mud into the shoe so that it may drain back out and dry quickly while others prefer to try and keep it out completely).
Your footwear needs to…fit: Whatever your footwear, make sure they fit your feet! Whether you opted for waterproof boots or fast-drying shoes, the potential for moisture build-up means you are more susceptible to blisters.
Make sure you wear good socks: Seriously, socks can be as important as your shoes. Having breathable, comfortable socks is invaluable during a muddy hike.

While the above should give some very general guidance on selecting good footwear for your muddy adventure, there is one other important tip: tie your shoes well! Getting stuck in a mud puddle may just suck the boot right off of your foot if it isn’t tied firmly!

7. Consider Using Trekking Poles for Stability

When using trekking poles for hiking along wet muddy trails, you will find yourself more easily able to remain steady. Whether you pick up a pair of sticks and use nature-made poles, or you buy some of the best trekking poles for hiking, they are invaluable on a muddy hike.

Any poles, even sticks, may be very helpful in allowing you to maneuver out of a mucky situation… literally.

8. Very Muddy Trails Might Require Gaiters

Gaiters attach to your hiking shoes or boots to keep debris or mud from getting in through the tops. These could be a great way to confidently take on a muddy hike!

These shoe/boot attachments will help keep out sand, rocks, debris and most importantly, keep you dry and comfortable. There are a variety of options, so you will want to choose the one that best fits your hiking boot or shoe AND also provides cover up to the point you want on your leg.

9. Be Prepared to Need More Water and Snacks

As you can easily imagine, a long hike through the mud can make you physically exhausted! After all, hiking burns WAY more calories than walking. This only becomes more true in the mud.

Just think of how much energy you spend on pulling yourself through rough terrain. Don’t forget to pack yourself extra water and snacks to replenish your body along the way.

Lightweight snacks are best for a day hike… Don’t underestimate a few energy bars. These can give you a boost of protein and carbohydrates that you’ll need to finish your hike (without a headache).

Plenty of water in your water bottle will also surely come in handy. If you don’t have a good reusable water bottle, you should strongly consider getting one so you can avoid taking plastic bottled water on your hike (reduce, reuse, recycle!).

10. Bring Clothes and Shoes to Change Into After

You may also consider bringing a few extra items in your backpack, in case you get wet or muddy. Some ideas for things to bring along:

Extra hiking socks
Extra pair of shoes, and maybe an extra pair of pants for when you leave the trail
Lightweight towel to wipe yourself off with
Extra bag, to toss all the dirty clothes and shoes into!

11. Hike with a Friend – Misery Loves Company!

Who wants to take a muddy hike alone? Bring along a friend whos also not afraid to get dirty.

A muddy hike can be a great physical challenge, and that increased difficulty can feel more rewarding when sharing that experience with a friend or loved one.

Hiking is a great way to reconnect, share stories and help each other accomplish a challenging goal while getting some important exercise. Don’t let the mud stop that.

Be a good friend, invite someone along on your dirty journey!

Mud Happens – Enjoy Your Hike!

Hopefully, this post has inspired you to get your gear in order and go on that muddy hike! Make sure you have a good plan of attack before you head out, as well as a contingency plan if the trails are too muddy to traverse.

With the proper mindset, footwear, and company you should feel confident that you are going to enjoy yourself, even when the conditions might be less than ideal. Who doesn’t love to play in the mud from time to time, anyways? Happy hiking!

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Image Credit: Andrew Boone | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size

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