What are the white marks on the Appalachian Trail?


What are the white marks on the Appalachian Trail? The A.T. is marked for daylight travel in both directions using a system of white “blazes,” or a rectangle of white paint 2 inches wide and 6 inches high. Blazes are found most often on trees, occasionally on posts and rocks. Piled rocks called “cairns” are also used to identify the route above treeline.


What are the rock markers on trails called?

Wonder no more—these rock piles are called cairns and often mark hiking routes in parks. Every park has different rules about cairns, so it's always a good idea to check out a park's website for information on hiking trails before you go.


What do hikers call the Appalachian Trail?

Most thru-hikers use a trail name along their long-distance hike. TRIPLE CROWNER: A thru-hiker who completes hiking all three major USA hiking trails: The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), The Appalachian Trail (AT), and The Continental Divide Trail (CDT.)


What do the colors of trail markers mean?

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.


What do the trail markers mean?

If you see one trail marker straight ahead it means, go straight. If you see two trail markers, one slightly higher on the left it means make a left turn. If you see two trail markers, one slightly higher on the right, it means make a right turn.