The Green Mountain National Forest is a four season (some say six with mud and Black Fly season) recreation experience. The most popular season is autumn when the mountains are ablaze with color. Summer is popular for camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, and canoeing. Winter brings out colorfully-clad skiers (both downhill and cross-country), snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoe enthusiasts. In Spring, the Forest bursts forth from the grip of Winter with emerging leaves on the trees, migrating birds, and blooming wildflowers that are visible along many of the Forest trails. The first fishing days are enjoyed by a lot of people. Mud season is usually short but intense. Mountain biking and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time.