What Are Those Stacks Of Rocks On The Trail?
They actually have a name and a purpose.
Have you ever spotted a pile of rocks carefully stacked while out on a hike and wondered what they are? Well, those stacks have a name, and possibly have a purpose. They’re called “cairns,” and they might be there for a few different reasons.
The most common and likely purpose is to simply to create a sense of community. It’s like a friendly head nod to people you may have never met or seen. Hikers, bikers, runners, hunters, and campers often share a sense of adventure and respect for nature, and adding to a cairn is like sending a message to those who come after you.
Cairns can have a practical side. Before modern trail management, they served as guideposts for hikers, mountaineers, and trailblazers, especially in tricky spots where paths aren’t obvious, like elevations above a tree line or across rugged, rocky stretches absent of installed signs. They can also signal that a location has been traversed by other humans, highlight where there’s a split or turn, signal something to watch out for like a dangerous cliff, or to callout a great vantage point to take a photo.
Before you go rearranging or even adding to a cairn, consider a couple things. Rocks can be hideouts for snakes, spiders, scorpions, or other critters, depending on where you are. Be careful when lifting or shifting them, especially if they’re nestled in tight spots or behind trees.
There are also environmental considerations; moving a few rocks isn’t likely to severely impact an ecosystem, but disturbing an area at scale can impact things like water flow, plant life, and insect and animal movement. Consider a “do no harm” approach when contributing.
If you think a cairn might be a point of navigation (and you’re on a well-kept trail), it’s always smart to rely on official signs over a cairn’s placement. Still, there may be reason to look around or stay alert.
Cairns can add personality to an area, like creative mini-sculptures out on the trail, built and managed by the community. If you see one, grab a picture, or maybe tap into your inner artist.