I have heard of "trail marker trees" before, but I've not done much research on them. When a friend pointed out that one of the trees I photographed on my 1st day hike was a Native American trail marker tree, I decided to do some research.
Here is the photo of the tree I took yesterday on the Green Gorge Loop Trail on Signal Mountain, TN:
Green Gorge Loop Trail
Signal Mountain, TN
In hindsight, I wish I had spent more time with the tree. How old is it, I wonder?!?! How long has it been showing the way?!?! Is this tree truly a trail marker tree?!?!
Also in hindsight, I wonder how many of these I've seen on hiking paths over the years. I may go through my photos, simply out of curiosity.
Here are some links I have found on "trail marker trees":
- The History of Marker Trees (Deep Root Blog)
- Indian Marker Trees: Separating Folklore from Fact (Steve Jones)
- Trail Trees: Fact or Fiction? (Outdoor Chronicles)
- Oaks as Native American Trail Marker Trees (PDF)
- Trail Marker Trees--What's Old is New
- Indian Trail Tree Project
I find trees fascinating.
I find trail marker trees even more fascinating.
Trees have much to tell us, to teach us, if we will observe and listen.
Happy trails!
Deb
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