I called the Ranger station this morning to get a follow-up.
He mentioned that they had someone go out there earlier this week, and the hazard was identified as an old abandoned communications wire. It's a weird communications line, must of been telegraph or something being that it's somewhat like a steel winch line. With trees falling, fires and such, these steel cables could turn into a hazard from time to time. He also stated that they sent someone out to cut it back and make it safe again.
Appears that this was NOT a booby trap, an act of sabotage, or such.
Guys and Gals, watch out for hazards while riding the trails in the forest..... and if you can get away with it, let your buddy lead, LOL.