What in the blazes do all these weird terms mean?! Here's the page to help!

1. A 'Blaze' is a mark of color indicating the way to go. These are normally painted onto trees or rocks, but could really be anywhere. 

2. The different patterns of blazes. 

• A plain blaze means that you are going the right way. Keep a constant lookout for these guys, they're pretty helpful.

• A double/stacked blaze means that you are to look for a sharp turn, these are frequently used for switchbacks. In Shenandoah National Park these are normally one above the other, but some National Parks have the bottom to one side or the other. If the bottom one is on the left, turn right. If it is on the right, turn left. The way to remember this is that the blazes create a sort of angular line pointing you the right way. Just a helpful hint.

• An arrow blaze literally points you in the right direction. 

3. So what do all the different blaze colors mean? 

• White blazes indicate that you are hiking the Appalachian Trail. 
• Blue blazes tell you that you are hiking a park trail.
• A yellow blaze is evidence that you are on a fire road or horse trail.
• NB: A red or red-orange blaze indicate the edge of the park, not a trail. 

4. The Appalachian Trail

• You know if you're on the Appalachian trail by a signpost. Most have something that looks about like this: 

5. Something else to keep an eye out for is a SIGNPOST. You  ALWAYS check these. There is no excuse for not looking at the little metal piece on concrete posts. They tell you where you are going (indicated by little arrows after the names).