It is very easy to get lost in the wilderness without reference points. Trail waymarking in hiking makes navigation much easier. However, it is not everything. You still need to know how to read it and differentiate hiking waymarks from mountain bike, hunting, or equestrian trail markers. Here is what you need to know about hiking trail markings, ensuring you have all the tools required to keep on course.
The different types of trail markings
In towns and cities, road signs and markings help us navigate traffic rules at streets and intersections. We rely on police officers, traffic lights, signs, road markings, and more. In hiking, it works much the same way.
For example, trail signposts provide hikers with full details about their route. Generally, hiking signposts are located at the trailhead. They display information such as altitude, key landmarks, estimated walking time, types of waymarking, and more. Once on the trail, you will see signs indicating your current location and the direction to follow to reach your destination.
Trail markings
There are also painted markings, which can be applied to various supports: walls, rocks, trees, posts. Speaking of posts, they are generally used on sections of the route where it is not possible to place or spot ground markings, where there are no trees or walls, and above all where there is no clearly marked path. The priority when waymarking is to place painted signs on immovable features (walls, rocks, trees, etc.). Posts are used when nothing else is available: but they are practical if you are hiking in snowy terrain, as they are rarely buried under snow.
There are also cairns: mounds of stones erected by hikers on a hilltop or ridge to serve as landmarks and indicate the path ahead. Many other reference points exist. You just need to learn how to interpret the meaning of each marker correctly.
Understanding trail markings for hiking in France
Waymarking in hiking is a system of signs and markers designed to keep hikers from getting lost. Hundreds exist, but the system used in France is of particular interest. In France, hikers benefit from the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre, where volunteer trail markers maintain the various waymarks. We can distinguish GR waymarks (long-distance footpaths), GRdP waymarks (regional long-distance trails), and PR waymarks (short-distance trails). You can recognise these three types of markers by their colours. Long-distance paths (GR) are marked in white and red. GRdP trails are marked with two colours: yellow and red. PR short trails are marked in yellow.
The different types of trail markers
You can find different types of waymarks, whether on GR, GRdP, or PR routes. The most important thing is knowing how to read their meaning. On GR and GRdP trails, you are on the right track if you see two horizontal stripes stacked one above the other (the colour depends on whether it is a GR or GRdP). On a PR path, you will recognise the same confirmation mark by a single horizontal yellow stripe.
In addition to these indications, an arrow shows when to change direction. You will also find signs indicating when you are off track. For a GR trail, you will see a red and white cross. On a GRdP, the cross will be yellow and red. On a PR route, a yellow cross indicates you are heading the wrong way. Overall, hiking trail marking is intuitive and easy to understand. Once you get used to it, reading trail markers becomes second nature.
When in doubt, look a little further along the suspected trail for a new marker to confirm or correct your choice. Generally, after a few dozen metres—or even less—you will find a cross indicating that you are on the wrong path.
Stay on track!
It is easy to get lost while hiking if you do not have the right instincts. First, you need to learn to constantly use waymarking. Markers are there to help you navigate; following them is the bare minimum. However, trail markers are not everything on a hike. It is important to know how to find your bearings with a map, and to know how to use other tools such as a compass or GPS. These tools will let you know where you are and where you need to go. Another trick to avoid getting lost while hiking is to mark your progress on a map.
Check your GPS to determine your position or mark your location as you progress. Then mark this point on your map, noting the time you passed it. Since you have an estimated travel time at the start of your hike, this should give you an idea of the approximate time remaining. If you have been walking non-stop for two hours when the map indicated you should have arrived 45 minutes ago, it is essential to check your reference points.
