I specialize in machine-built trails using a Yanmar Vio17 mini excavator — the right tool for working in tight, wooded terrain without tearing up what makes your land beautiful. I offer everything from roughed-in trail to a fully finished, ready-to-use product. The following slides show some of my work.
This slide shows a roughed in section ready for manual cleanup.
Here's a roughed in segment where the roots have been cleared with loppers, ready for a final rake.
This photo shows a segment with a "rock bridge" built over an underlying culvert.
Here's an example of a mountain bike specific banked berm built into side hill.
Another banked berm at the bottom of a whoop-de-doo section.
Finished section of trail ready to be enjoyed.
A completed section seeded in rye grass to help stabilize it until the leaves fall.
Trail Consulting
Not sure where to start? I'll walk your property with you, identify the best routes, and help you understand your options and costs before you commit to anything. If you want to do some of the work yourself, I can help you get set up and point you in the right direction.
Trail Repairs
Storms, erosion, and blowdowns happen — especially after events like Hurricane Helene. I can assess damaged trails, rebuild washed-out sections, and get your trail back to where it was. Before-and-after photos from recent repairs are shown in the following slides.
A massive slide from Helene washed out this switchback leaving a large pile of debris in its place.
A good portion of the original switchback was built into the hillside draw and Helene washed most of this away. The switchback had to be moved and reconstructed, requiring a significant amount of fill to build the grade sooner. Most of the dirt came from the top.
Moving dirt from up above.
View from top of switchback while moving dirt.
Large logs contained within the slide were used as a makeshift retaining wall.
View from top, switchback rebuild almost complete.
Switchback seeded in rye to help stabilize during winter months.
Trees blown down from a wind event.
Working to remove downed trees.
Trees removed and trail rebuilt.
Small Projects
Anywhere a mini excavator is useful, I can help. Fire pits, sitting areas, culverts, gate posts, land clearing — if it involves moving dirt or material on your property, reach out and we'll figure it out.
A sitting area near a creek.
Installing a large gate post.
Recovering a grindstone washed away by Helene.
Installing a culvert in the road.
Areas Served
I primarily serve southeast Buncombe County and southeast Transylvania County, including the communities around Black Mountain, Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, Brevard, and Cedar Mountain.
Not sure if you're in range? Just ask.
What clients say
Kyle did an amazing job! Took me through the process step by step. The end product was an amazing trail that I use everyday
My name is Kyle Harris. I've lived in the Broad River community south of Black Mountain for 30 years, and I've been building trails with a mini excavator for over six.
Before trail building, I spent 41 years in the computer industry after receiving an engineering degree — so when I say I'll manage your project with laser focus and clear communication, I mean it.
I also volunteer at the DuPont State Forest visitor center and for the Broad River VFD.
Experience
I have over six years of experience building trails with a mini excavator.
Tools
I own my equipment and show up ready to work. No subcontractors, no surprises.
"Popeye". Yanmar Vio17 mini excavator. The ideal machine for trail building in wooded terrain — powerful enough to move material, small enough not to wreck what's already there.
I offer a free on-site consultation for properties in my service area. We'll walk the land together, talk through what's possible, and I'll give you an honest assessment — no pressure, no obligation.