Why so many mileage markers on trails? Do we really need that many? Aren't they kind of a waste of money?
Actually, there's a very good, common-sense reason for the abundance of mileage markers on trails, and it has very little to do with keeping you from getting lost or helping you know how much further you have to go.
The most important reason for all those mileage markers is for emergency services. Say someone has a heart attack on the trail, or you discover a forest fire. The mileage markers help you to identify exactly where you are so emergency personnel can easily and quickly locate you and/or the incident.
So the next time you're on the trail, take note of those mileage markers. Sometimes they're every mile and other times every half, quarter, or even tenth of a mile. You may find them on a signpost beside the trail (such as on the C & O Canal Towpath trail in Maryland) or set in concrete in the middle of the trail. (Such as on the St. Vrain Greenway trail in Colorado.)
Enjoy the trail, but always be aware of your surroundings.
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| mileage marker on the C & O Canal Towpath trail |
The most important reason for all those mileage markers is for emergency services. Say someone has a heart attack on the trail, or you discover a forest fire. The mileage markers help you to identify exactly where you are so emergency personnel can easily and quickly locate you and/or the incident.
So the next time you're on the trail, take note of those mileage markers. Sometimes they're every mile and other times every half, quarter, or even tenth of a mile. You may find them on a signpost beside the trail (such as on the C & O Canal Towpath trail in Maryland) or set in concrete in the middle of the trail. (Such as on the St. Vrain Greenway trail in Colorado.)
Enjoy the trail, but always be aware of your surroundings.
2 comments:
Hear-hear. I couldn't agree more with your comments. One never knows when an incident will arise when you need to know your exact,or near-exact, position.
This brings me to another point,much along the lines covered in this post,informing others of your planned route so,just in case something does happen,people know where to look for you.
Have a great day.
Barry.
Hear-hear. I couldn't agree more with your comments. One never knows when an incident will arise when you need to know your exact,or near-exact, position.
This brings me to another point,much along the lines covered in this post,informing others of your planned route so,just in case something does happen,people know where to look for you.
Have a great day.
Barry.
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