Ever have that dream where you are lost in the woods and don’t know how to get out? I’ve been on hikes where I’m miles in, the trail is barely discernable with all the fallen leaves on the ground, and suddenly I lose the path. This is when trail blazes are a lifesaver.
Trail blazes, markers, and signs provide directions and features for a hiking trail. There are several methods to mark trails and different markings indicate specific information.
Trail Marker Methods
Posts
Posts can be wooden or metal poles. These are found at the trailhead and along the path. Trail names, arrows, and distances are common details. The information may be directly on the pole or on an attached sign.
Affixed signs and symbol blazes
These are usually small plastic, metal, or wooden signs attached to trees or fences throughout the trail. Affixed markings generally appear more frequently than posts. Areas with multiple trails will typically differentiate them with different shape and colors for each path e.g., blue triangles and red squares.
Reflectors
Similar to symbol blazes, I have also seen small reflectors affixed to tree trunks and fences. These, along with a flashlight, can help hikers find the trail as it gets dark. I recommend carrying a flashlight on long or difficult trails.
Painted blazes
Painted blazes, like symbol blazes, are on tree trunks or rocks throughout the trail. However, these are usually just basic rectangles painted in different colors directly on the trunk or rock.
Flags and ribbons
Sometimes a route is marked only by a flag or ribbon tied around a trunk or branch. I find these most often as markers for spur trails rather than the main trail. The problem with flagging tape is that it gets lost or torn more easily than affixed blazes and can litter the trail if broken.
Cairns
Small piles of rocks that mark a trail are cairns. You will typically find these where the path crosses sandy areas, rocks, or lava flows because the specific trail is hard to pick out and there are no trees to attach markers. Smaller stacks of 3 or 4 stones are known as ducks.
The U.S. National Park Service offers three guidelines for cairns:
- Do not tamper with cairns – Future visitors may become disoriented or lost.
- Do not build unauthorized cairns – Moving rocks disturbs the soil, makes the area more prone to erosion, and disturbs fragile vegetation and micro ecosystems.
- Do not add to existing cairns – Authorized cairns are carefully designed; adding to the pile can cause them to collapse.
Logs
In addition to the above markers, fallen or cut logs can be used to line the path.
Reading Trail Blazes
Blazes are usually placed at or slightly above eye level. The distance between blazes varies by location, but on well-blazed trails you should always be able to see the next marker. Below are the most common blaze configurations and meanings in North America.
Single blazes guide you to the trail’s route and tell you to continue forward.
Two blazes with one higher than the other indicate a turn. If the higher blaze is to the right, turn right. A higher left blaze means head left.
Two blazes in a vertical line with a single blaze to the side indicates an intersection with a side or spur trail. The vertical markers shows that the main trail continues straight. The side blaze signals the direction of the side trail.
Three blazes that form an upward arrow (two blazes horizontally with the third above them) designates the start of a trail. Conversely, three blazes that make a downward arrow let you know you have reached the end of the path.
It is always worthwhile before starting on a hike to understand how route is marked, if it has blazes, and what color or symbol to follow. I have been on trails that intersect and run parallel with multiple other trails – if I did not know the color and symbol of my trail, I could have easily gotten lost.
For more hiking tips, check out my 20 Tips to Safely Enjoy Hiking and Waterfalls and The Essential Hiking Guide.
This is so helpful! Keep ’em coming
Yes! i have worried about getting lost but have found blazes comforting. Good advice, thanks.
Thanks Liz! You never think you’re going to need them, but when you are lost, a blaze is like a godsend.