Cutting Trails

[TRUAX]

Looking to see if anyone has any guidance for me on cutting trails on this property I purchased. I've been out there six months and haven't been doing trail work in the Minnesota winter other than hiking about to get a lay of the land. I've got about a mile of trail cut thus far, mostly up top where there were paths of least resistance. I would like to get down into the gully, but thought I would get some input on how to make things flow best and utilize what I am working with. I have some serious steepness going on out there, looking forward to developing some hill climbs this next season. Any input is appreciated! If you're ever in south eastern Minnesota, look me up!

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[MoonStomper]

How many acres is that, about 10? Lots of flow, undulations and switchbacks make the gully riding fun for me. Throw a few steep hill climbs in too! Looks like you have a nice open area to set up some WOT Grand Prix courses too. Nice spot!

[KDXGarage]

a few up and down hills leading to some that go across with switchbacks?

Congrats on the property

[SS109]

Check out my vid of The Sidehill for some ideas on how to maximize trail using your hills. That section starts about at the 2 minute mark but the really good stuff starts around 4:22.

[Tyl3r]

Sweet, congrats on the land! There are some good points in this video (he's got lots of great vids btw). Walk the route, mark it with flaggers tape, even if you want the trails to be tight, be sure you leave enough distance between turns and obstacles.

[TRUAX]

Thanks for the advice gentleman. It's actually a forty acre chunk when adding that little triangle parcel by the road into the mix.

[KDXGarage]

Investigate the use / purchase of a forestry clearing saw. I got one last year. It makes a great initial tool for clearing. If you get one, just DO NOT try to cut real close to the ground. You will hit rocks and dull the blade. Come back later and dig out the stumps or flush cut them with a different cutting tool. I use a battery powered reciprocating saw with a $4 blade. If I hit the ground or a rock, I don't worry as much as hitting a $25 forestry clearing saw blade or a $37 chainsaw chain.