Photo: Dó Castle

What does blue mark on trail mean?

Cross-country ski trails are marked with blue blazes. These trails are also typically marked with the international symbol of a white skier on a brown background, posted at the trailhead.

americantrails.org - FAQ: When and where to use blazes or markers - American Trails

What is the highest priority during survival situation?

Protection (first aid, clothing, shelter, fire) First Aid – is the most immediate action to be conducted in the survival priority of protection....

Last updated Apr 9, 2018

How tall is too tall Navy?

Navy Weight And Height Requirement To be an applicant for the Navy, you must be between 57-80 inches tall. The weight standards are about your...

Last updated Mar 26, 2019

Promotion

filed under: trail amenities & structures

FAQ: When and where to use blazes or markers

Best practices for blaze marking along trails

by American Trails Staff

photo credit: C. G. P. Grey A typical white AT blaze along the trail in Pennsylvania. Typical blaze on the Appalachian Trail; photo by C.G.P. Grey A typical white AT blaze along the trail in Pennsylvania. Typical blaze on the Appalachian Trail; photo by C.G.P. Grey (photo credit: C. G. P. Grey) There are several ways of marking trails: paint, carvings, affixed markers, posts, flagging, cairns, and crosses, with paint being the most widely used. Waymarking with signs, or other markers, is used in non-forested landscapes, and in outdoor recreational areas. Be sure you're clear on why and where you need blazes or markers. Is this an extremely primitive trail that is easy to lose? In deep, rocky woods where there is not much of a trail tread, or where snow persists until summer, it makes more sense. Use a Carsonite post with a trail logo and arrow, if needed, just in the occasional places people need some wayfinding help: a junction, a fork, or some other place where topography makes the route uncertain.

Blazes

In Pennsylvania and other states, trails are typically marked with various signs and painted patches on trees and posts, called blazes. Most blazes will be painted on trees or sign posts. On occasions blazes can be painted onto rocks. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), has set guidelines for marking trails on state forest land. These guidelines are typically followed on state game lands as well as within state parks. Pennsylvania DCNR has guidelines for both motorized and non-motorized trails. Motorized trail blazes are in the shape of diamonds while blazes for non-motorized trails are in the shape of rectangles, measuring 2" x 6". The standard blaze colors set forth by DCNR are red, yellow, blue, and orange. Red blazes are used to mark shared-use trails. Shared-use trails are open to horseback, mountain bike and foot travel. Trails designated as state forest hiking trails are blazed in orange. These trails are intended to be for foot travel only. Cross-country ski trails are marked with blue blazes. These trails are also typically marked with the international symbol of a white skier on a brown background, posted at the trailhead. Finally, local hiking trails are blazed in yellow. Trailheads and major intersections may be marked with the international symbol of a hiker on a brown trailhead, indicating the trail to be used for foot travel only.

Cairns

Which console sold the most 2022?

For hardware specifically, the PlayStation 5 was August 2022's best-selling console overall for both unit and dollar sales. The Switch, however,...

Last updated Sep 22, 2019

What is the happiest food in the world?

14 happy foods to eat to be your happiest self Happy Food #1: Honey. ... Happy Food #2: Olive Oil. ... Happy Food #3: Blueberries. ... Happy Food...

Last updated Nov 7, 2020

Promotion

When crossing large talus slopes or fields, rock cairns can also be used to mark the route of the trail. Cairns are carefully arranged piles of stones. It is important not to build rock cairns along trails, or disassemble exiting cairns, as this may cause confusion to those hiking the trail. Cairns are most commonly used to indicate trails in open areas, such as higher-elevation alpine areas, where no trees are available, or where conditions may make blazes hard to see.

Affixed marker

Alternatively, more long lasting plastic, metal or even sometimes wooden markers may be affixed to trees, usually with nails. The placement of these markers requires more skill and labor than paint, as well as an area with an abundant supply of trees to which to attach them.

More information

Below are a few useful resources. Our resource library contains many articles on wayfinding, signage, cairns and other trail marking topics.

Published March 2015

More Articles in this Category

Pennsylvania Trail Design & Development Principles A compilation of best practices and guidelines for the planning, design, construction, and management of your trail employing sustainable design. Sensing the Trail Levaware systems is offering IoT intelligence to create a new type of trailhead. Trail Maintenance Guidelines This Trail Maintenance Manual was developed as a field guideline and procedure manual for Park staff responsible for the maintenance, construction, and operation of the Santa Clara County Parks trails’ system.

americantrails.org - FAQ: When and where to use blazes or markers - American Trails

What meat is the healthiest?

5 of the Healthiest Meats Sirloin Steak. Sirloin steak is both lean and flavorful – just 3 ounces packs about 25 grams of filling protein! ......

Last updated Nov 25, 2020

Does hiking give you nice legs?

Hiking can help most people build leg muscle. If you're an advanced weightlifter or athlete, hiking won't increase muscle hypertrophy, but you can...

Last updated Jul 17, 2022

Promotion

What is the most liked console?

November 2022 update: Switch, PS5 continue to climb. PlayStation 2 (Sony) - 159 million* Nintendo DS (Nintendo) - 154.02 million. Game Boy/Game Boy...

Last updated Mar 10, 2021

Promotion

What is Zombie poop?

A zombie's digestive tract is completely dormant. The complex system that processes food, extracts nutrition, and excretes waste does not factor...

Last updated Dec 2, 2022