What are trail markers and the symbols of direction? | Perpetual Grit Blog

What's that colored paint on trees?

If you're a completely new hiker, then you've probably asked yourself this question once or twice! I know I did on my first trip to the trail.

Simply to put it, these paint marks on trees are man-made markers for a trail! Each trail will have a different color and each will signify what trail you are on and what direction to go.

There are actually various types of trail markers, but paint tree trail markers are the ones that I see the most on my trails in Maryland.

Fun fact: The most common types of trail markers are called blazes!

The common types of trail markers

Some of the most common types of blazes (trail markers):

1. Affixed markers
2. Carvings
3. Flags
4. Poles
5. Cairns

Affixed Markers

These types of trail markers are made by attaching or affixing various types of materials to trees, usually by nails. 

For example, a hard piece of colored plastic could be nailed to a tree in a particular way to signify which direction to take.

Carvings

Carvings in trees are another way to help people navigate through the woods. This type of trail marker is usually more informal and created by fellow hikers. 

They are carved by a knife. They can be stylized with a pattern or a basic carving that is easily read by those who know the basic directional symbols.

Flags

The next common trail marker is using flags. They made by using pieces of bright colored cloth that are tied on easily seen parts of the trees, such as the trunk or lower branches. Flag marking can be permanent but is typically temporary. 

They are usually used for temporary use because when exposed to the elements they can easily tatter and become damaged. 

Poles

These types of trail markers are mostly used on trails that have colder climates and have heavy snowfall. 

Poles will allow hikers to easily see where they are and where to go when the snow height is immense.

                                                     Cairns

Cairns is another type of trail marking. This marking is made by placing various rocks in a very specific order. These, like carvings, are mostly informal trail markings created by other trail-goers. They are typically used in areas where there is a limited amount of trees.

These are not always the best trail markings to follow because they can easily be obscured or destroyed. No matter, they are still beautiful structures to look at.

Symbols of direction!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Check out my last post here!

Question for the Comments!

What types of trail markings have you seen or used?