The term まき道 – makimichi literally means ‘winding road.’ That could describe almost every trail in the woods, but maki michi have a specific function. They are alternate routes created in addition to main routes up hills.
In Japan’s low mountains, there are many jagged peaks. Maki michi have evolved as a means to quicker point-to-point locomotion.
These horseshoe trails generally leave the main trail near an approach to a summit. The maki michi rejoins on the main trail on the other side. Trail maintainers also create maki michi to route foot traffic around obstacles like fallen rocks or collapsed trails.
Maki Michi on the Hasetsune CUP Course
On the 71.5K ハセツネCUP – Hasetsune course, there are many places where route setters have chosen to use maki michi instead of summit routes. 茅丸 – Kayamaru, just before 三国山 – Mt Mikuni, is one such place. As is 丸山 – Maruyama, about 5K after the first checkpoint at 浅間峠 – Sengen Pass.
Kayamaru
Maruyama
