Signs with directions, arrows, distances, and information to help trail users find their way.
Some trails are so highly developed and continuous there is no chance of a visitor losing the path. Rail trails and paved bikeways would seem to be obvious examples. But even wide, well-used trails are disrupted by roads, intersections, missing bridges, and other obstacles. Signs showing the trail user where to go to pick up the route again are essential parts of trail development. Direction signs also help hikers and riders find destinations along the trail. Finally, where routes diverge signs will enable users to follow the correct path, or to discover new ones. The following examples are from a wide variety of trails across the United States.
Mile marker applied to the asphalt trail surface of the Willamette River Greenway; Eugene, Oregon
Mile marker applied to the asphalt trail surface of the Willamette River Greenway; Eugene, Oregon
Mile marker applied to the asphalt trail surface of the Willamette River Greenway; Eugene, Oregon
This sign was placed high, as to be visible from the beach
This sign was placed high, as to be visible from the beach
This sign was placed high, as to be visible from the beach
A weather-resistant trail marker at Buford Park in Eugene, Oregon
A weather-resistant trail marker at Buford Park in Eugene, Oregon
A weather-resistant trail marker at Buford Park in Eugene, Oregon
A trail marker attached to a conifer in Oregon. Note the space remaining before the nailhead, allowing for tree growth. This sign was placed approximately 25 years prior to the photo.
A trail marker attached to a conifer in Oregon. Note the space remaining before the nailhead, allowing for tree growth. This sign was placed approximately 25 years prior to the photo.
A trail marker attached to a conifer in Oregon. Note the space remaining before the nailhead, allowing for tree growth. This sign was placed approximately 25 years prior to the photo.
An historical trail marker on the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon
An historical trail marker on the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon
An historical trail marker on the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon
Simple, all-weather trail marking just off the beach on the Oregon Coast Trail
Simple, all-weather trail marking just off the beach on the Oregon Coast Trail
Simple, all-weather trail marking just off the beach on the Oregon Coast Trail
Simple trail navigation that compliments the natural setting at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum; Eugene, Oregon
Simple trail navigation that compliments the natural setting at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum; Eugene, Oregon
Simple trail navigation that compliments the natural setting at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum; Eugene, Oregon
Direction signs where trail is routed under road on the Little Tennessee Greenway National Recreation Trail; Franklin, Tennessee
Direction signs where trail is routed under road on the Little Tennessee Greenway National Recreation Trail; Franklin, Tennessee
Direction signs where trail is routed under road on the Little Tennessee Greenway National Recreation Trail; Franklin, Tennessee
Sign helps users find trail beyond point of interest; Arches National Monument, Moab, Utah
Sign helps users find trail beyond point of interest; Arches National Monument, Moab, Utah
Sign helps users find trail beyond point of interest; Arches National Monument, Moab, Utah
Rock Creek Trail at intersection with Georgetown Branch Trail; Bethesda, Maryland
Rock Creek Trail at intersection with Georgetown Branch Trail; Bethesda, Maryland
Rock Creek Trail at intersection with Georgetown Branch Trail; Bethesda, Maryland
Sign for Waller Creek Trail built out of limestone with glazed ceramic sign, Austin, Texas
Sign for Waller Creek Trail built out of limestone with glazed ceramic sign, Austin, Texas
Sign for Waller Creek Trail built out of limestone with glazed ceramic sign, Austin, Texas