How to Make Single-Track Dirt Trails

Recreationalists may never consider the time consuming and physically demanding work involved in building a basic single-track trail as they hike or bike along established routes through the woods. Digging dirt, moving rocks and cutting trees require physical fitness, a certain amount of skill with tools, a commitment of time and a lot of determination. Though the task is hard, the rewards are great, knowing you have toiled to make the land more accessible to yourself and others.

Things You'll Need

  • Florescent surveyor’s tape
  • Transit level or inclinometer
  • Pulaski
  • Chainsaw
  • Pry bar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark the route for the trail with florescent surveyor’s tape. Plan the route around major obstacles that are too difficult to move or fill in, such as large trees, rocks, ledges, holes and ditches. Route the trail away from low-lying areas that are prone to collecting water.

    • 2

      Choose long, steady runs when planning uphill or downhill routes, keeping the rise of the trail to 10 percent of the run. For example, for every 10-feet of trail length, the increase or decrease in elevation should be equal to 1-foot. While a run can often be “eyeballed” when working with gradual and steady inclines, it is best to use a transit level or inclinometer to determine slope if working in areas with steep hills.

    • 3

      Construct the trail with back-and-forth sections when working on steep up or downhill grades. For example, build a 100-foot run in one direction, with a 10-foot rise or fall in elevation. Turn the trail back on itself and construct another 100-foot length running parallel to -- and just above or below -- the previous section. Connect the sections of trail with wide, gently sloping 180 degree turns known as “switchbacks.” When building a switchback, use the same 10-to-1 ratio as when constructing trail section lengths.

    • 4

      Plan approaches to water crossings where the water is shallowest and the slope of the banks approaching the water is as gradual as possible. Waterways that cannot be forded by foot will require building a bridge.

    • 5

      Clear overhanging tree limbs and brush with a chain saw in order to make hiking trails with a width of 4-feet. Biking trails should have a width of 6-feet. Chop down small trees with the Pulaski’s axe blade; remove large trees with a chain saw.

    • 6

      Cut the dirt track for the trail to a width of 24-inches. Dig down to a depth of 6-inches with the Pulaski’s digging blade to remove topsoil. Turn the soil over and tamp the dirt down with your feet. Dig dirt from around rocks, tree stumps and roots to below ground level with the Pulaski. Chop through roots with the Pulaski or cut the roots with the chainsaw. Remove loosened stumps and rocks with a pry bar and fill in the holes with dirt.