I work in commercial landscaping and in Atlanta we need to cut back a lot of retention ponds. The best way to clear the brush is by using a pair of pole hedge trimmers. The Stihl has an adjustable head so you won’t kill your back. You can probably rent these somewhere (they’re about $500 new). I would take the trimmers, a folding hand saw, Felco hand pruners, and a pair of loppers if you just want to cut back the brush now. If you really want to go crazy, spray the outter edge of the trail with round up about once every three weeks to prevent the plants from taking over the trail. Just get a 4 gallon back pack sprayer and put 12 oz of round up in your tank.