Memorial Day is the traditional start of Vermont’s summer hiking season, but people who reach the top of some of the state’s highest peaks this weekend might still find some snow.
As of Tuesday there was still 18 inches of snow near the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain.
And more light snow is expected over the northern summits.
In April, the state shuts down hiking trails leading to the tops of some mountains to prevent foot traffic that can damage sensitive alpine plants. They’re reopened on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.
But even with the high-altitude snow, the trails are opening as scheduled.
Jen Donley of the Green Mountain Club says hikers should expect lots of mud and patches of snow.