Chapter III

SHOWING THE WAY

Blazing and Signing

  With all the various controversial issues inherent to backcountry management, it seems odd that such a simple matter as trail marking should cause so much debate. The spectrum of opinion runs from the "blitzkrieg" method where paint consumption rivals the mileage of the worst gas guzzlers to the "natural selection" theory of weeding out the unwary hikers by losing them in the woods.

It is also somewhat puzzling that after decades of refining and standardizing by the benevolent giants (ATC, AMC, USFS, etc.), a significant amount of hikers and even some trail maintainers are not familiar with the conventions of trail marking. Perhaps a brief history of the evolvement of trail blazing would help clear things up.

 

THE BLAZE

The traditional definition of the term "blaze" predates recreational hiking by many centuries and denotes a mark on a tree made by chipping off a piece of the bark. The blaze was used to mark the most efficient routes between inhabited locations before more substantial trails and roads could be cut. This traditional blaze was adopted by "trail blazers" when the first hiking routes were established in the nineteenth century.

As paint became more readily available and as trails became more numerous, the painted blaze was used to make the marks more obvious and later to differentiate between trails or trail systems. Land surveyors adopted identical methods for delineating boundaries and of course some confusion resulted. Partly because of this confusion, and most likely also because of expediency, the true blaze was omitted and the paint mark was applied directly to the bark. But the term "blaze" has continued, and in its broader definition is most appropriate, for these paint marks certainly do "render conspicuous".

Free of the confines of the chipped area, the blazes took on various shapes limited only by the imagination of the blazer. Anyone who has hiked on Mt. Monadnock can testify to this, for many of the trails are named for their blazes (White Cross, Red Dot, White Arrow, etc.). Along came other contrivances, such as tin can lids and stamped metal trail emblems.

As trails became more numerous and popular, leaders of the hiking community saw a need to adopt a universally recognized method of trail marking. They wanted something that was easy to apply, did minimal damage to the tree, was visible without being overpowering, and would not be confused with various marks made by foresters and surveyors. The result is what the WODC uses today.

By general consensus and Forest Service standards, the accepted trail blaze is a two inch wide by six inch high rectangle painted on the bark of a tree. When properly applied, these markings will last for as much as ten years yet can easily be erased if the trail is relocated or discontinued. Most trails within the WMNF are marked with yellow blazes. White is reserved for the Appalachian Trail , and blue is usually used to mark side trails (spurs) of the Appalachian Trail , but WODC has elected to continue using. the traditional club color: medium blue.

THE RULES OF BLAZING

Trees are not always willing to grow where a blaze is needed so we must use a little latitude when practicing the art of blazing, but let's proceed on the assumption of at least a near perfect scenario.

At the trailhead and at any intersection, the first blaze should be prominently positioned far enough along the trail to provide a definite sense of direction yet close enough to be readily visible. Twenty to thirty feet would be the optimum range. Subsequent blazes should be positioned so that as you pass the previous blaze the next blaze becomes visible after traveling just a few feet along the trail. In theory, you should be able to see no more than one blaze at a time.

Different situations will certainly call for bending this rule. For example, in open hardwood forests it may be impossible to adequately blaze the trail without having more than one blaze visible from some points. Add a few inches of snow cover to an area like this and it becomes imperative that the blazes form a continuous line. Sudden changes in trail direction are another reason to add a blaze or two.

On the other hand, there are many places where the trail is so obvious, such as in dense spruce, that the blazes may seem unnecessary. While it is definitely allowable to space them as much as 300 feet apart, they should not be entirely omitted. A hiker in unfamiliar territory derives a sense of security from seeing the occasional blaze.

The double blaze is a little used and often misinterpreted tool. It consists of two standard blazes, one above the other. It is most often used just before an intersection and therefore it is believed by many if not most hikers to be a warning of an approaching intersection. In actuality the double blaze is analogous to a flashing yellow light on the highway. It simply means look out, you should pay attention because something ahead could cause you to wander off the trail.

Sometimes the upper blaze is shifted to one side or the other to indicate an abrupt change in trail direction. There are a few of these on WODC trails but they are used sparingly because of the confusion they sometimes cause. Another option is to use a small arrow sign at the bend to guide hikers in the proper direction.

There are a few other considerations to keep in mind. Blazes should be at eye level or slightly higher. Above this they are apt to be obscured by branches and if they are much lower they can be covered by snow.

Blazing should be done in only one direction at a time. It is virtually impossible to do a decent job when traveling in the opposite direction. It is best to do the entire trail at one time, or at least complete a section between intersections. A sudden change in the blaze pattern or frequency can be confusing to the hiker.

Wilderness blazing can be a whole other can of worms. Paint marks on trees could be considered anathema to the wilderness spirit, but we owe it to the hikers to provide a well marked route. The best compromise is to use as few blazes as possible, while still allowing the alert hiker to stay on the trail.

If you determine that your trail needs to be reblazed, please contact the Trails Committee. We will be happy to take care of it, or if you wish, we can set you up with the proper tools and know-how to do a superb job.

SIGNS

Signs provide the properly outfitted hiker (don't forget your map, compass and whistle!) with all the information needed to confidently follow a selected route. Without them, the possibility of a missed intersection is dramatically increased, which we all know can result in embarrassing if not dangerous consequences.

For the trail adopter, it is important to check the signs on a regular basis. Every trailhead and intersection should have a sign that identifies the trail name and shows destinations with directional arrows. Mileage should be included only when outside of wilderness boundaries.

Any side trails to views, shelters or springs should have a sign labeling it as such. Keep an eye out for those cases where blazing may not be enough to keep hikers on the trail. Perhaps a "Trail" or arrow sign would help.

Special considerations must be made in Wilderness areas. "Directional" signs, those that show trail names and destinations, are allowed; but "interpretive" signs, those that label items or provide information of an historical or scientific nature, should not be used. WODC has adopted the standard USFS Wilderness sign format. You will see more of these irregularly shaped five-sided signs as older ones are replaced.

As we keep saying, let us know what is needed on your. trail. The work trip reports provided to you make it an easy matter to report any damaged or missing signs.

Continue to Chapter IV