How to Clear a Walking Path Through the Woods

Identify the owner of the property and ask permission to create a walking path. If the space is public, be sure it doesn't cross private property and isn't in a protected area.

Define your path. Following the natural contours of the area, plan out the path that you intend to create and mark it using tape or cloth strips tied to trees adjoining the path. If trees are not available, use rocks, logs or any other available material. Place markings every 10 to 20 feet. Avoid making a path that crosses through any large rocks or trees because they will be extremely difficult to remove.

Cut any branches that impede the path. Using a saw or clippers, remove anything that crosses the path from the ground level to at least 7 feet above the ground. If small trees or seedlings are growing in the middle of the path, consider transplanting them to the side. Otherwise, dig up any plants growing in the pathway. Make the path at least 3 feet wide, which is wide enough for one person to walk comfortably.

Move rocks, stumps, dead trees and other debris from the pathway. For fallen trees, use a saw to cut through the trunk at each side of the path and remove the cut piece. Logs, fallen trees and branches can be saved as firewood or scattered so they can decompose. Medium-size rocks can be wedged out using a shovel and rolled to the side of the path.

Clean up any leaves, twigs or small debris in the pathway using a rake or shovel. Though these do not make a pathway impassable, debris will obscure the correct path, making it difficult for walkers to follow. Bag and remove this debris or scatter it on the side of the path.

Remove the tape or cloth markings and clean up any debris. Your path should now be clearly visible to people approaching it and should be easy to walk on without having to avoid logs, trees or rocks.