Drivers have road striping, pilots have landing lights, captains have buoys, and hikers have trail markers, or blazes. Blazes ensure that hikers do not stray from their trail, while not detracting any more than necessary from the wilderness. Most trail markers are on trees.
Types of Trail Markers
The most common types of blazes used in North America are paint, affixed markers, and less frequently, axe blazes and rock cairns.
- Paint is easiest to apply, requires periodic reapplication, and is easy to use with the directional system developed by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in the 1930s.
- Affixed markers are made of metal or plastic, and are attached permanently to trees. These markers last longer, although it’s debatable if this is harmful to the trees.
- Axe blazes are more common in the Western United States. A notch is carved or hacked into the bark of a tree. More damaging than affixed markers, this method of marking hiking trails is not in keeping with the Leave No Trace system of backcountry ethics.
- Rock cairns (piles)are used when trees are not available. Unless tampered with, a well constructed cairn can last for years.
Appearance of Trail Blazes
Blazes can range from the simple white rectangle of the Appalachian Trail to multicolored coding systems used for areas with numerous trails. In areas where numerous trails have been blazed, hikers are advised to refer frequently to a topographic map of their intended route, in addition to seeking out blazes. Even trails such as the Appalachian Trail, which has a large pool of volunteer maintenance crews, will have areas where storms, new growth, or other activity obscure or destroy a series of blazes. A hiker prepared to navigate a trail with map and compass is much more likely to have an enjoyable and safe trip.
Where to Find Trail Markers
Frequency of blazing varies based on local preferences, natural visibility of the route (fire roads require much less blazing than rocky ridgelines, for example), and the amount of manpower available to maintain the trail. Markers should be visible, yet unobtrusive. On trails that are not visibly worn, common practice is to ensure that a blaze is nearly always visible to keep the hikers on course. However, more experienced hikers often prefer trails to be barely marked at all.
Trail Maintenance
Responsible hikers will report trails in need of reblazing to the local hiking club or trail conference (which will also gladly sign up new maintenance volunteers). Properly blazed trails allow hikers and backpackers alike to practice Leave No Trace more effectively, by keeping them on the designed trail. Check the trailhead for information about who maintains the trail you hiked, or contact the wilderness management agency.
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