Abstract
The study examines geomorphological changes of forest roads created and used during timber extraction in wind-damaged and bark-beetle-affected areas of the northern Tatra Mountains. Mapping 27 km of roads and repeated cross-section measurements (2015–2024) allowed assessment of incision, accumulation, slope, lithology and usage intensity. Erosion was the dominant process, with average annual incision of 0.02 m and accumulation of 0.01 m. Road degradation was most strongly controlled by usage intensity, while the influence of slope, lithology and alignment was less consistent. Road density decreased markedly over the decade due to declining use and vegetation recovery. Results show that reducing road use is the most effective way to limit erosion, although many roads remain persistent landforms on mountain slopes.