filed under: interpretation


Signage Solutions for Every Trail System

Pannier is the leading manufacturer of signs, panels, exhibit bases, and frames. With a full line of exhibit bases, there is a product for every trail and wayside application.

by Emily McKinney, Pannier Graphics

Industry Leaders

Pannier leads the way in the production of trail signs and markers because we understand that signage is about more than marking paths; it’s also about sharing and preserving the world’s most beautiful and irreplaceable areas. With various thicknesses, custom shapes, and framed or frameless options, we offer a wide range of products with infinite possibilities. No matter the signage need, Pannier has the solution.

“We liked the way Pannier’s signs look, and Pannier was competitive in price and has provided great support. Working with Pannier has really made these projects simple. The company has been very helpful to us as we’re certainly not professionals in this medium.” — Jim Mader, Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council (click the photo to learn more about this project)

“We liked the way Pannier’s signs look, and Pannier was competitive in price and has provided great support. Working with Pannier has really made these projects simple. The company has been very helpful to us as we’re certainly not professionals in this medium.” — Jim Mader, Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council (click the photo to learn more about this project)

Panel Materials That Last

Pannier Fiberglass Embedded (FE) and Gel Coat Laminate (GCL) panels have a solid, one-piece construction, unsurpassed in the industry. Whether you are looking for a map, a mile marker, or an interpretive panel, Pannier will provide you with high-quality trail signage that you can rely on for years to come. All of Pannier’s panels come with a 10-year warranty for fading and delaminating. We are proud to stand behind our promise of durability.

“We chose Pannier because there simply isn’t a better product out there—from the physical signs themselves, to the process of ordering, to quality control. Erie MetroParks has dozens of Fiberglass Embedded panels in our parks and have never seen anything withstand the elements as well as these products.” — Ethan Unzicker, IT & Marketing Specialist, Erie MetroParks (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

“We chose Pannier because there simply isn’t a better product out there—from the physical signs themselves, to the process of ordering, to quality control. Erie MetroParks has dozens of Fiberglass Embedded panels in our parks and have never seen anything withstand the elements as well as these products.” — Ethan Unzicker, IT & Marketing Specialist, Erie MetroParks (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

Exhibit Bases Made To National Park Service Standards

Pannier fabricates custom exhibit bases and frames in an array of styles for any trail application. Whether the need is an Upright base for a trailhead, Plant Identifiers to draw attention to trail foliage, or a Low Profile base to enhance the surrounding views, Pannier has the perfect base for the job. Durable signs installed throughout the trail, from trailhead to trailhead, make for a unified and memorable experience.

“We have already received numerous positive comments from the communities that the trail runs through, and as always, Pannier was a great partner to work with.” — Lydia Austin, Interpretive Programs Manager, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

“We have already received numerous positive comments from the communities that the trail runs through, and as always, Pannier was a great partner to work with.” — Lydia Austin, Interpretive Programs Manager, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

Create Unique Experiences

Trails across the United States experienced a surge of activity in 2020 and the effects are carrying over into 2021 as well. People are actively looking for creative ways to explore and get out of the house. Parks and recreation areas are the perfect place to do both of these activities while staying socially-distant. Self-guided tours are the new, and preferred, normal and Pannier is bringing creative and unique signage projects to life every day.

“Pannier has a strong reputation and extensive work with National Park Service (NPS). Easy communication, fast turnaround, and we are very pleased with the end products. In this time of COVID-19, we have postponed our normal, daily guided tours. The interpretive exhibits helped fill an interpretation gap left by the temporary removal of tours.” — Billy Rankin, Vice President of Public Programming & Organizational Strategy, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

“Pannier has a strong reputation and extensive work with National Park Service (NPS). Easy communication, fast turnaround, and we are very pleased with the end products. In this time of COVID-19, we have postponed our normal, daily guided tours. The interpretive exhibits helped fill an interpretation gap left by the temporary removal of tours.” — Billy Rankin, Vice President of Public Programming & Organizational Strategy, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

Pannier is excited to announce a durable solution to display StoryWalk® pages along trails and pathways. The StoryWalk® Exhibit is a Low Profile Single Pedestal frame that includes two pieces of acrylic to encase the individual story pages. The removable extrusion at the bottom makes changing out your story pages hassle-free, which will keep visitors coming back for more.

“A StoryWalk® provides opportunities for the whole family to play and learn together by combining two great things: spending time outdoors and reading. The customer service at Pannier was excellent—responses were always very quick and friendly even when we ran into unexpected challenges. The follow-up survey was thorough and reinforced that Pannier was dedicated to quality.” — Lynn Capps, Assistant Director, Clay County Public Library System (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

“A StoryWalk® provides opportunities for the whole family to play and learn together by combining two great things: spending time outdoors and reading. The customer service at Pannier was excellent—responses were always very quick and friendly even when we ran into unexpected challenges. The follow-up survey was thorough and reinforced that Pannier was dedicated to quality.” — Lynn Capps, Assistant Director, Clay County Public Library System (Click the photo to learn more about this project)

Get your trails ready for summer and fall visitors by installing panels and exhibit bases that make a walk in the woods all the more memorable. Contact Pannier today to get started on your signage project!

This is a sponsored content article. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring an article.

Published June 2021

About the Author


For long-lasting trail signage and frames, Pannier leads the way. We manufacture a full range of durable signage, panels, bases and frames, all designed for the harshest environments. With all production under one roof, we are able to deliver outstanding reliability and on-time delivery, time and again.

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