Trail Cutting and Maintenance Guidelines

Executive Summary

Eastern mountain forests are divided into two broad communities: Spruce-fir, and northern hardwoods. A thorough discussion of dendrology (tree and shrub taxonomy) will not a offered here. But it is essential to be able to identify forest tree and shrub species, and fortunately it is relatively easy in eastern mountain forests. On-line resources for tree identification:

• Virginia Tech
• Duke
• NE Forest Service

When establishing and maintaining a gladed trail or woods line, it is best to:

• Lay out the trail or line in the downhill terrain flow - northern exposure, rolling terrain is best
  
  
• Use twists and drops, broken sight lines, and undulating trail edges to maximize fun and challenge
  
  
• Apply cutting practices appropriate to the forest type - Spruce-Fir versus Northern Hardwoods
  
  
• Select healthy individuals - form and vitality
  
  
• Leave brushy islands to sustain regeneration
  
  
• Maintain distinct uncut bands of forest dividing adjacent trails
  
  
• Guard against excessive widening or width creep
  
  
• Follow the ferns (allelopathy)
  
  

Guideline Topics

1. Choosing Terrain
   
   
2. Spruce-Fir Forest
   
   
3. Northern Hardwood Forest
   
   
4. Allelopathic Ferns
   
   
5. Woods Cutting Practices
   
   
6. Trail Tree Regeneration