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.
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.[1]
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.
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.