Riding on mountain bike trails before they fully dry can create dangerous and environmentally- damaging conditions, as seen here near Lake Placid. (Provided photo — Josh Wilson)

LAKE PLACID — The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Barkeater Trails Alliance are asking the public to stay off biking trails until the mud is dried up.

“Mud season in the Adirondacks is a very sensitive time for mountain bike trails,” BETA Executive Director Josh Wilson said in a press release. “Some trails dry-out relatively quickly in the spring or after periods of rain, while others remain muddy for weeks on end regardless of weather. Riding on wet and muddy trails can cause lasting damage very quickly.

“If you are leaving ruts in the trail surface, the soil is definitely too wet to be riding. Call it a day and wait for better conditions. Ride dirt, not mud, and help us keep the trails in great shape for you and others to enjoy.”

The DEC says trails and vegetation are especially prone to damage and erosion this time of year and can make trails difficult or even dangerous to ride on.

The DEC said in the release that trail condition updates for public lands in the Tri-Lakes can be found on the BETA website at www.betatrails.org.