Marking a hiking trail is a good idea, particularly if you don’t know the pathway well or if you don’t have an accurate map. You might also want to return to this spot without having to go through the hassle of locating picnic spots or swimming holes all over again. Being lost in the woods is not a pleasant experience either, but it can be prevented simply by marking the trail as you hike. From the time you can almost no longer see the vehicle or the camp, begin marking the trail by using things found in nature, or carry along a can of paint to spray markers on the sides of trees. Paint should be a bright red or orange, unless it’s fall; then the color should be white, purple or a color easily spotted amongst the foliage.
Sometimes one “pack” of people will go before another, in cases of troops that are traveling together. It’s important to mark the trail so that others behind you can follow. To simply mark which direction the trail leads, paint a plant, rock, portion of a tree, or a stump. Whenever possible, spare the plant life and paint on rocks or fallen trees. Each mark should be within viewing distance of the next. Sprinkling things like rice or corn not only require you to carry quite a lot, but you also risk having your markers eaten by wild animals.
To mark particular directions, use rocks to form the shape of an arrow, pointing in the intended direction, or form large sticks in a “V” shape, and then secure with rocks if possible. The point of the “V” should face the direction of the trail. Since animals scurry around on the ground, it’s easy for them to knock small pebbles and twigs around, ruining the trail marker. Use large, heavy branches and big rocks, where available, or group small ones together tightly. To insure that you’ll recognize it as a marker and not just fallen branches, spray dots of bright paint on the branches or rocks. If you have no paint, take a moment to entwine rope or vines around the branches in a pattern that’s recognizable as human in nature. Braiding, then wrapping, or wrapping several times in one spot, stringing along the top, then wrapping around several more times is usually spotted immediately. Introducing other things brought into nature by humans, like foil or tape, can help. Wrap the foreign object around a portion of a branch where it will be noticeable. Colored or metallic tapes are ideal, since masking tape or duct tape seem to blend in with the scenery. Taping branches together is also a good way to make sure they don’t get knocked apart by wild creatures.
You can be more specific with the markings, like forming wavy lines with rocks, then an arrow to indicate water, or making an “X” then an arrow, pointing to a dangerous spot that should be avoided. Always take a map when hiking to insure your location, and be sure and travel with others. Let someone know where you’ll be and take plenty of supplies to see you through.
