Spring Thaw 101: Why Timing Matters for Trail Use
Why Staying Off Wet Trails Matters During the Spring Thaw/Freeze Cycle
As the seasons shift and winter loosens its grip, many riders and hikers are eager to get back on the trails. But spring’s thaw/freeze cycle creates a critical period when responsible trail use matters most. At Falls Area SingleTrack (FAST), we work hard to build and maintain Sioux Falls’ singletrack network, and one of the biggest avoidable threats to trail integrity comes from use during the wrong conditions—especially when trails are wet.
What is the Thaw/Freeze Cycle?
In early spring, temperatures fluctuate between freezing at night and thawing during the day. This cycle causes the ground to shift between firm and soft states:
Overnight & Early Morning: The ground refreezes, making trails feel solid.
Midday & Afternoon: As temperatures rise, the frozen surface melts, creating muddy, soft trails that are highly susceptible to damage.
Even if a trail seems fine in the morning, a few hours of warmth can turn it into a rutted, eroded mess.
The Damage Wet Trails Can’t Handle
Riding, running, or even hiking on soft, wet trails leaves deep imprints that don’t just disappear when they dry. Instead, they:
Create ruts that harden and make trails rough, bumpy, and difficult to repair.
Channel water down the trail, leading to erosion and washouts that require extensive maintenance.
Increase long-term wear that shortens the lifespan of the trail surface.
Fixing these issues takes time, effort, and resources—all of which could be avoided by simply staying off wet trails.
How to Know If a Trail is Rideable
A good rule of thumb: If you're leaving a mark, turn back.
Check conditions before heading out by:
✅ Visiting FAST’s social media pages for updates.
✅ Checking the Trail Conditions on our trail pages.
✅ Looking at the ground—if your tires or shoes are collecting mud, it’s too wet.
What You Can Do Instead
If trails are closed due to wet conditions, there are still great ways to stay active and support your local trails:
Ride gravel roads—a perfect alternative for keeping your legs moving.
Hit the pavement—Sioux Falls has excellent paved paths for biking and running.
Help FAST with trail maintenance—our volunteer days are a great way to give back.
Respect the Trails, Protect the Ride
Our trails exist because of the hard work of volunteers, donations, and partnerships. A little patience now means better riding all season. By respecting trail closures and avoiding wet trails, you’re directly contributing to the longevity of the FAST singletrack network.
Stay tuned for updates, and we’ll see you on the (dry) trails soon!
Photo credit: Jessica Walhof