"Actually, was on a trail last weekend and came to the spot that I've always had to walk down before and this time it wasn't bad at all. Not sure if I'm getting better, or if the rainfall since last time I was out there moved some dirt around"
Opposite for me. I don't remember using my granny gear in the past climbing the trail where it was smooth. When I went back to it I found myself using the granny gear.
I was able to pedal through some sections the second time that I walked up the last trip that I used to walk up even from before. As I mentioned I started using the granny gear.