Generally I'll scout out a possible path to check elevation and perhaps I'll put a few markers on the map (which I do for tunnels that are more finicky) whereupon I'll go back with a hoe either using the path option or elevation option. Cart use can be kinda annoying but you have to balance how much you put into it depending on your path.

Swamp can be rather easy to make a level road so you can more easily stuff your cart with resources like Iron whereas other biomes can be a bit less forgiving when it comes to elevation changes.