A logging trail is a type of unpaved trail used to transport logged wood by means of machinery or horse power. In contrast to a logging road the logging trail is also free of gravel or other material and a pure earth trail.
Characteristics
For ease of transport when using machinery like forwarders on sloped terrain, the logging trail often follows the gradient of the terrain to a logging road or street for further transport of the wood. Width of the trail is typically 3 m to 4 m with a distance of 20 m to 60 m among each other.
In terrain steeper than 30% logging trails are usually constructed parallel to the contour of the terrain.
A logging trail may eventually convert into a hiking trail.
History
Logging trails became necessary with the advent of machine driven logging. Before that period loggers used horse power instead with lesser need for structured logging trails.
See also
References
- Peter Dietz, Wolfgang Knigge, Hans Löffler: Walderschließung. Ein Lehrbuch für Studium und Praxis unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Waldwegebaus. Parey, Hamburg und Berlin 1984, 426 S., (german), ISBN 3-490-02116-9