Forest track

Forest tracks may be open to ramblers or mountain bikers depending on local rules.

Forest roads may be tarmacked, gravelled or metalled (using hard core) and often have restrictions on use.

On the one hand, forest roads on steep mountainsides must be wider than on the plains in order to enable vehicles to safely negotiate hairpin bends.

On the other hand, the widening of old tracks runs the risk of heavier erosion or landslides.

For example, in Germany, the key of topographic maps distinguishes between are metalled roadways (Befestigte Fahrwegen), roadways (Fahrwegen), forest tracks (Waldwegen) and footpaths (Fußwegen), the latter not being suitable for forest vehicles.