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Deadfall

Deadfall reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

Deadfall refers to downed trees, large branches, and other woody debris that has fallen to the ground, often across or near the trail. It can slow travel and require careful navigation.

Key points

  • Common after storms, blowdowns, fire, or beetle-kill events.
  • May obstruct trails and require climbing over, under, or around logs.
  • Can increase trip time and physical effort, especially with a full pack.
  • Trail crews and volunteers often work to clear deadfall on maintained routes.
  • Large or unstable deadfall may present minor hazard if climbed on carelessly.

Details

Deadfall accumulates naturally as trees age, die, and are brought down by wind, snow, or other disturbances. On long-distance trails, sections with heavy deadfall can feel slow and tiring, especially when carrying a large pack or moving in wet or slippery conditions.

Navigating deadfall may involve stepping over or under logs, detouring slightly from the tread, or switching to alternate routes where available. In some heavily affected areas, informal reroutes may develop around clusters of fallen trees, which hikers may or may not choose to follow depending on conditions and guidance.

Trail associations, land managers, and volunteer crews regularly clear deadfall from many popular long-distance routes, but the pace of maintenance cannot always keep up with storms or large disturbances. Hikers typically incorporate the possibility of deadfall into time estimates, especially in forests known to experience frequent blowdowns or in early season when winter-felled trees have not yet been cleared.

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Illustrative hiking footage

The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.