| What it is | A tree fallen across the trail |
| Cause | Wind, storms, disease |
| Effect | Slows progress, forces detours |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A blowdown is a tree or large branch that has fallen across a trail, usually from wind, storms, or disease. Blowdowns force hikers to climb over, crawl under, or detour around them, and a trail thick with blowdown after a storm can dramatically slow progress until crews clear it.
Getting past
Over, under, or around — pick the safest line and watch for trunks under tension. When detouring, stay close to the trail to limit impact (a Leave No Trace habit).
Who clears them
Agencies and volunteer crews, with popular trails cleared first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a blowdown?
A blowdown is a tree or heavy branch that has been knocked down across a trail, typically by wind or a storm. The term also refers to areas where many trees have been flattened. On trails, blowdowns are obstacles you must climb over, duck under, or go around.
How do you get past blowdown?
Climb over, crawl under, or detour around it, choosing the safest line and watching for unstable trunks and springy branches under tension. When detouring, stay close to the trail to avoid getting lost and to limit damage to surrounding vegetation.
Who clears blowdowns from trails?
Land-management agencies and volunteer trail crews clear blowdowns, often with crosscut saws or chainsaws. After major storms, popular trails are cleared first, while remote trails can stay choked with blowdown for a season or more.
Sources
- Trail conditions — National Park Service