That's true but the problem is that platforms that import/aggregate OSM data like Strava and AllTrails are meticulous about tags and their routing algorithms oftentimes won't use the highway=path because they're incomplete. They're also far quicker about updating traces/routes when a cycleway tag is applied. The accepted method for these trails is to use path but they have to be detailed in order for them to be used by the platforms. Since trace accuracy for the region is largely current and complete across many of these platforms I'm okay with transitioning to the path designation and can start making those changes throughout the region. I just ask that if you also change it back to path to make sure the applicable details are added to ensure those platforms retain the routes in their platform. I'm already an admin in Trailforks for the region so not concerned there as i update it manually.

My apologies for the delayed response, I didn't get a notification indicating you had responded. The trails are maintained/managed by Huntsville Area Mountain Bikers (HAMR) in coordination with Monte Sano State Park and the North Alabama Land Trust. I am part of the trail committee for HAMR and work extensively with both the state park and land trust. The trails I deleted were decommissioned several years ago by all parties involved. Some trails were too difficult to maintain while others were removed at the request of the property owners. The trails that traversed private property were originally approved by the owners but some owners ended up putting their property up for sale and asked that we remove them, so we did.

The point is, I'm part of the organization that manages the trails on Monte Sano and we decommissioned/removed them several years ago for the reasons mentioned above - they’re not authorized by land managers or property owners.

They're paths/trails that are no longer authorized or official. They were decommissioned either for traversing private property where the owner asked they not or they're too difficult to maintain.