The State of Vermont closes trails in the Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield areas from mid-April until Memorial Day weekend. Late fall presents similar muddy conditions and hikers are asked to follow the same guidelines. From late October until snowpack, early snows leave large amounts of moisture but don't cover the ground enough to protect it from damage. The freeze and thaw cycle during this period can wreak havoc on overused trails. If a trail is so muddy that you need to walk on the vegetation beside it, turn back, and seek another area to hike.
Plan hikes in the hardwood forests at lower elevations.