There's More To Mud Season Than You Might Think

A typical dirt road during mud season -- this road is deemed to be in GOOD condition

Mud season is Vermont's unofficial fifth season, occurring in March and April, when Vermont gets more snow, lots of rain, and dirt roads become perilous to navigate. Cars, shoes, kids, pets, and clothing get covered in mud, and that's just the (endearing) way it goes.

This might lead you to think it makes no sense to come to Vermont during mud season. But, the weather is warmer, hotel prices are lower (it is off-season, after all), and if you love maple, skiing, waterfalls, luxe getaways, and being outside, this can be a great time to visit -- with or without kids. I mean, kids and mud & maple? How adorable is that (at least until you have to clean them up, lol)?!

Let's Talk Maple

Did you know that Vermont is responsible for over 50% of the total maple syrup production in the US, making over 3 million gallons annually? Well, it is, and the start of the sugaring season takes place during mud season (cool nights and warmer days create the magic). The season for making syrup typically only lasts 4-6 weeks so if you want to witness any of the magic-making, I highly recommend a visit to one of the state's maple sugarhouses/ sugar shacks, most of which are open to the public. While there, you will learn about the process, see the boiling in action, and taste all sorts of maple products made from the syrup.

Every year, the Vermont Maple Association hosts an open house weekend -- this year (2026) the dates for the maple open-house weekend are March 21-22nd. Here's a link with all the information you might want for a visit, including participating sugarhouses throughout the state where you can watch demonstrations and have plenty of tastes of this liquid gold. Maple weekend, which usually falls on or near the official beginning of spring, is enough of a big deal that celebrations of maple abound throughout the state, even outside of the sugarhouses -- local distillers and brewers infuse maple into their drinks, and there's no shortage of maple-inspired dishes available at eateries and brewpubs throughout Vermont. So come on up/ over (or down, if you are in Canada) and check it out. If you can't make it to the Open House weekend, don't despair -- there are other maple festivals in Vermont to visit (St. Johnsbury & St. Albans are the main festivals I know about).

I've already written about Vermont and its maple, here, but feel compelled to remind readers that the darker the syrup, the more maple-y the flavor. I only buy (and consume) the darkest syrup available and highly recommend you do the same.

The Snow Isn't Gone Yet!

Spring skiing at Bolton Valley

Many skiers appreciate the softer snow, warmer temperatures, and cheaper lift tickets (at some places) that spring skiing in Vermont brings. Most mountains are still operating to some degree through early to mid-April and even if you aren't a skier, visiting ski areas during the spring can be fun since the mountains often host pond skimming (ski jump into a pond) and live music events which are well-attended.

A Treat For Waterfall Lovers

Moss Glen Falls, Granville

Thundering Brook Falls, Killington

With the warm weather and resulting snow melt, waterfalls are roaring during the spring. And luckily, there are a couple of falls in Vermont which do not require you to trudge through the mud to see them (although if you are up for a muddy hike, go for it!). The waterfalls I can think of which are easy to access without incurring the wrath of mud are:

1. Moss Glen Falls in Granville (visible from the road)

2. Thundering Brook Falls in Killington (accessible via boardwalk)

   
   

Treat Yourself To A Luxury Getaway (And Take In A Museum or Two)

I mentioned above that mud season is off-season in Vermont, which means lodging options are more affordable than they are during much of the rest of the year, and many upscale/ luxury hotels offer seasonal packages that are well-worth exploring. So, come and live it up -- stay at a hotel you might not otherwise consider, many of which offer spa treatments if that's your thing. Top-of-mind examples include The Equinox in Manchester, The Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, and Top Notch or Lodge at Spruce Peak at Stowe, but there are many other wonderful options all over the state. Visiting Manchester (and nearby Bennington), Woodstock, or Stowe also offer all sorts of opportunities to take in charming towns with wonderful shops (love the bookstores!), covered bridges, restaurants, breweries, spectacular views, maple-houses, and museums [click the links above to find out more].

So, please, do not feel that a visit to Vermont is not a good idea during mud season. Just stay off dirt roads and bring your mud boots.