I haven't read every answer, but I do a lot of plowing on gravel and black top. I too have some trails that I lift my plow on just to they don't get too deep for my machine to clear. If I were trying to accomplish more extensive trail maintenance like the original post mentioned, I would look to make some sort of a drag. Once snow has been moved it will harden up relatively quickly. So drag it, and let it set overnight. Plowing with your blade up a few inches shouldn't be any problem (I do it), but the drag should accomplish your task better IMHO. You could make the drag in a manner so as not get hung up on the side brush by making a "V" attachment to your machine.