Building a Bog Bridge on a Hiking Trail

[@jamesetal7088]

You taught me some very good things here. I will make a similar thing on my land. TY.

[@david86768]

I'm always thankful for the folks building these bridges. Interesting video, thanks.

[@BusHuxley]

Thank you!

[@pacodefrancis7235]

Really impressive! Especially that peeling job.

[@sharonparsonenterprises4818]

I have long contemplated exactly what you are doing here in theory. I took away the obstacle of expense " If I were Rich would I still like this design " The answer almost always comes up the same. That Answer is Utilizing the trees from my property- the stumps as the foundation for the deck and the actual trees for the walk way of the deck... NOW YOUR VIDEO show me HOW TO PEEL AWAY the bark..... OH My GOODNESS, I wouldn't have EVER!!!! came up with this... It's Beautiful.. " The natural Wood" I was amazed by Your craftsmanship! Well, I can say this... If you have any extra TIME and you're in Hot Springs.... I would love to have your help.... GREAT JOB. THANKS FOR THE TIP!!

[@BusHuxley]

Hey there! I am just seeing this comment, some 7 months later. Thank you very much for the kind words and the encouragement. I hope your project went well and was helped in some way by this video. Thanks again!

[@karlbirkirflosason8190]

Nice work. I like the details in the X marks for texture on the bridge and the perpendicular logs under it, for grip presumably.

[@texxs01]

The speeded up hammer is awesome!

[@appalachiantrailvolunteerm9138]

Very informative video. Will share with the trail maintenance club I’m a member of. Like the use of ‘local’, on the spot materials.

[@BusHuxley]

Thanks a lot! I built hiking trails for years all around new england. Its a great way to develop hard skills and emotional skills. Thanks for the comment.

[@jkz-dot-ink]

sound of rushing water > running chainsaw. Absolute genius video technique

[@RangerStranger4Danger]

Fantastic video

[@pierrekolisch7844]

Like the context. Here Down East, I'm looking to do the same thing, only tractor and sheep friendly, using native hackmatack, maybe some cedar. Thanks for the intro, nice video.

[@BusHuxley]

Thanks a lot! I just did a video on my house building series where I milled a massive tamarack into 1x12''s. Great wood.

[@amandafolster5804]

This was Exactly what I was looking for....THANK YOU!

[@BusHuxley]

Yes! I am glad to hear!

[@ManleyClan]

Just viewed this video for the second time as I would like to adapt this methodology for a particular application I have on our property in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Hopefully, you won't mind answering a couple of questions unique to my application. Please bear with me. There is a 40 acre section of low ground on the property contiguous to what I'll describe as a cedar swamp. I have created a traverse trail across this piece of ground to get from the east side hunting stands to west side hunting stands without need to find a long way around or travel off the property on adjoining state land or cause undo disruption in the woods. Impeding travel along this trail are three notable holes that hold water and muck year round, freezing over only Jan-Feb. They are only about 16" deep, but the muck can suck your boots right off. The log bridge concept you demonstrate should overcome this challenge provided that the log wood I will need to use will stand up. You cut a nice fir. I don't have any fir trees of equivalent size proximate to these muck holes. I do have a substantial amount of northern white cedar. It peels well and is otherwise easy to work. That species should also provide good rot resistance. My concern is that cedar is not known for its lateral strength or nail holding ability. Given my application, in your opinion, will cedar serve purpose? Should I seek a larger diameter tree than the eight inch fir you felled? I don't want to create a springboard. Is there a recommended maximum span using half log the same size as you demonstrate in this video? Thanks in advance for your earliest response.

[@BusHuxley]

It I had a my druthers, I would always use white cedar instead of fir. It cuts really well and is relatively light and highly rot resistant. It will hold the spikes just great. It’s the perfect wood for this application. Sounds like a great project. Good luck during hunting season.

[@ManleyClan]

@@BusHuxley Thanks so much!

[@ssanders4454]

You make it look so easy! Not sure if the peeling is as easy as you show... Great job

[@BusHuxley]

Thank you very much! Yes, you are quite right. The peeling is almost never this easy. In this case it was, due to the time of the year and the species of tree, but ordinarily it takes about four times longer. Thanks for checking it out.

[@bugwar5545]

Interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@BusHuxley]

You bet

[@0ThrowawayAccount0]

And.... I'm subscribed. Excellent video, Hux.

[@BusHuxley]

Well shucks! Thank you kindly. There is a house being built from trees on this channel by me.

[@olavre]

Nice video! How is the bridge holding up after 8 years?

[@BusHuxley]

@@olavre it’s a great question and one I was thinking about this past weekend. I should head up and check it out. I can’t imagine it’s doing all that well.

[@dynocompe]

when the guy in the video makes it look so incredibly easy!! love it lol Then a guy like me goes and tries it and it takes all day lol

[@BusHuxley]

It took me the better part of a day! And what you don't see in the video is the years of slogging through miles of bog bridge builds in the rain, endless rock steps moved and built and living in a tent for years at a time! My point is that it took a whole bunch of practice to make it look easy. Thank you very much for the comment and keep plugging away!

[@HowFairIsThat]

@@BusHuxley I am 2 years too late on this post. Born n raised in the woods, though looking at me you would never know it. So at home seeing these videos. The mountain man does work quickly here friend, but he is extremely experienced. Friends, take your time. Moreover, give yourself extra time. What you truly are looking to achieve has no definitive end. ❤❤👍

[@MrOramato]

Dog: “I saw Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”

[@metoo5867]

Good job Cody of keeping looky lous away

[@BusHuxley]

Yessah.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Slick as a whistle !👍👍

[@ManleyClan]

My bad, I forgot to ask: Do you switch to a ripping chain on your chainsaw when ripping the log in half? I understand that the wood is relatively soft and you seemed to get through it without saw spitting out "pixie dust," but still wondering. Thanks.

[@BusHuxley]

I didn't in this case, but do with larger harder wood

[@ManleyClan]

@@BusHuxley Got it, thx!

[@andrewmcintosh6413]

I'm glad I csme across this video. I've a forest trail in my brother in-laws forest that was made by me when I was sourcing dead wood for fire wood. Over time it has become boggy in places due to the peatyness of the soil. My brother in law has used it countless times for walking his dog in the forest. When I get the chance to follow what you did to tackle the boggy patches with the spruce logs, the only difference I would make would be to lay chicken mesh fencing over the top to act as grip when the wood is wet. But other than that you shown a brilliant method to tackle boggy stretches of boggy spots. Can I ask what size of Husqvarna you used and type of chain you used to cut the log long ways? Thanks for the video. Andy

[@BusHuxley]

YES!!! That is exactly what I would like to do with almost all bog bridging like this! It is a great way to eliminate the risk of slipping for cheap money and relatively little work. I have don't it in many places I have worked and I love the technique. Good thinking! Thanks a lot for the kind comment and have fun making this. It is satisfying work. Do it in the spring and the bark will jump off the wood.

[@andrewmcintosh6413]

@@BusHuxley Thanks Bus. I'm over in Scotland and our weather in the Highlands tends to be quite wet, except when we get freaky good weather! I built a small bridge in my brother in-laws forest over a narrow but deep burn from dead spruce and the tops of pallet wood, then used recycled chicken fence mesh from his dogs old dog kennel. The only power tool used was a Husqy, everything else done by hand. I really like the idea of you using spruce as there is a lot of wind blown spruce in his forest to replicate your simple idea for walking over the boggy stretches. Keep up with the good videos.

[@casel0ad]

Park Ranger in Oregon and rocking the same helmet. Nice video.

[@BusHuxley]

It's a fine brain bucket, isn't it? Thanks.

[@MrGeoffreySmith]

Now that's how to peel a log! 😀

[@sunnykobe3210]

Beautiful!

[@danremington8910]

Did you use a ripping chain to cut that in half?

[@BusHuxley]

I didn’t. Just a sharp chain with stock angle. Wasn’t that big and it was June ish so the wood was soft and wet and thusly cut easily.

[@fraserhawkins4462]

Question from a noob: if not weather treated, won't those logs just rot?

[@BusHuxley]

It’s a good question and one you are correct about. It will rot but the hope is to get a decent decade if they’re peeled. Peeling helps keep bugs out and water from Accumulating.

[@badgerholefarm2656]

What is your preferred PPE? It looks like Husqvarna? Mine was once supplied by the Forest Service but now I am on my own with my own property and looking to upgrade for myself. Love the videos!

[@BusHuxley]

Good question, and timely! Watch tomorrow mornings video and you'll understand why. I have a husky helmet, and a peltor. I have the same chaps that I've had since i was 16, stihl. My boots are from a local company, called Labonville. Good steel toe and kevlar. The steel toe doesn't always save you though! This equipment was all provided when I was a park ranger for the State of Maine. Thanks for the question,

[@evansilcox3771]

Thanks for this. I'm hoping to do exactly this on some single track near my house in Toronto. We get a real mud bog going on when the ground thaws (which happens regularly because our winters are so warm now). People really can't walk through the trail without losing a shoe so they walk around. Since the trail runs up against a steep embankment, their walking around it causes major erosion. Really appreciate this as I wasn't sure what/how to build. We've got a ton of downed trees in the area, so I think I can use those. For grip, do you cut hash marks into the top of the tree, or use skateboard tape or anything?

[@BusHuxley]

Chicken wire works really well stapled down with big staples. Thanks a lot for the nice comment!

[@evansilcox3771]

@@BusHuxley Ah that's great! Thanks for this idea. I'll see if I can rig that up.

[@Kurokubi]

Is the purpose of the x markings on the perpendicular logs for shoe grip so people dont slip when stepping on it?

[@BusHuxley]

KuroReanimation yes. Keen observation and good question.

[@Studio-62]

Why is it important to peel the tree? Can the bark be left on?

[@BusHuxley]

It helps prevent bugs from getting into the wood and eating it and making it rot faster.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Removing bark for what reason? Is it to slow down the rotting factor?

[@BusHuxley]

Yes indeed it is. It prevents bugs from hiding in there and feasting.

[@johnb698]

Why peel at all? Does it help it last longer or something? I'm a trail maintenance guy in PA trying to learn some tricks. Thanks for making the video!!

[@BusHuxley]

John B hey there. Yeah, in theory if you take away the bark you take away the habitat for a variety of insects that feast on dead wood. So I guess your likely to see an increase in longevity. That's the idea at least. I've fooled around with both and found it does help to shed the bark. And this time of year it's very easy. Just jumps out of its skin. Thanks for the comment. Ask anything else if you'd like.

[@johnb698]

We just laid a small stretch of corduroy road over a muddy spot. That works for a time, but fills in easy. The height this creates looks promising, too bad my trails are in the tiniest of woods in suburban Philadelphia. Dropping trees is rarely acceptable. My trail pictures can be found on IG #bridlewild . Thanks, you're the man!

[@johnb698]

Regarding your kit... I just learned about Silky Saws. Love mine! What equip do you love for trail work... I hate lugging my 35 lb Stihl chain saw... what's yours? it looks WAY lighter, yet still performing. I am new to this world, and have no formal training. My job title (part time) is "Trail Master" ha! I've got a long way to go to earn that!

[@BusHuxley]

Silky! Yes! When I was a backcountry ranger in the Adirondacks I carried a sharp pulaski which I'd turned into an adz for making bog bridging and a Silky Zoran, which i had used in timber framing. A perfect saw where I couldn't use chainsaws. It was a 545 Husky. I tried to use an axe as much as possible but when I had to do 6 miles or so alone and i knew there was a lot of blowdown, I would pack all the stuff needed for cutting with a chainsaw, PPE, gas, oil, tools.

[@BusHuxley]

Corduroy can be a highly effective and quick way to harden a trail. A friend I used to work with would say, 'get the trail out of the water or get the water out of the trail' and thats kinda that whole thing with trail building and maintaining. If you have access to the new pressure treated lumber, you could make bog bridging out of dimension lumber which will last for ages! Ill check it out. Have fun. Thanks again for the comments.

[@bikeninja956]

nice job.

[@rubenbojorquez4614]

Hi Bus, I'm Ruben and I live in La Paz, Mexico. I'm considering creating some hiking trails on some privately-owned properties that do not belong to me. I'm reaching out because I would like to seek your advice on this matter. My idea is to generate income by allowing customers to pay for using the trails. Additionally, I would like to formalize my work by signing a contract with the property owners. Could you suggest some important clauses to include in the contract or give me any advice regarding this? Thank you in advance for your help.

[@SirTickleTots]

Cool shit man. Rad glasses btw

[@BusHuxley]

Well thank you. Prescription.

[@metoo5867]

Yes not a whole lot of work but A mountain of skill Oh yeah I fire your coworker He was not very helpful Just seemed to bark a lot

[@BusHuxley]

Thanks a lot!

[@daylightdisk]

Bodie was doing his best.

[@johnnybikesalot]

Should have just used one half of the log, it would have made a great skinny for biking down. Not that a flat 8" surface is all that skinny but still

[@BusHuxley]

Thanks

[@tsumacity]

if you leave a good 3/4" between the tread logs they won't accumulate as much leaf litter/crud. otherwise a man after my own portage