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Trail maps on signs and at trailheads

Graphic maps of trail and greenway systems for visitors on the pathway. One essential for trail users is to see exactly where and how far the trail goes. For major mountain bike treks and backcountry hikes, the user is more likely to haveacquired a guidebook or USGS maps. For urban and community trail systems a map at the parking lot or access point is more likely to help the average visitor. With current computer printing technology, colorful maps ca be printed on plastic or metal and protected with a more durable surfacing. The traditional routed wood sign is appealing but not so durable or easily replaced. Other maps are sculptural or artistic statements in bronze, ceramics, or other durable materials. Also see photo gallery of trailhead signs and message boards.

Click on any photo to see it full size:

(Commentary and photos by Stuart Macdonald, September 2009)

Cyclist Don Andberg checks map along Capital Crescent trail near C & O Canal, Washington, DC; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 16, 2007

Detail of map along Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail near Fletchers Boathouse, Washington, DC

Detail of map along Capital Crescent trail at Rock Creek Park, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Streetside map helping trail users follow Capital Crescent trail through Bethesda, MD; photo by Stuart Macdonald, June 16, 2007.

Shirley-Marshall Pass snowmobile trail map, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado

Willamette River trail. Eugene, OR; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 30 2008.

Clear Creek National Recreation Trail, Jefferson County CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Auguwt 1 2009.

Maps of trail system for summer, and winter version showing both skiing and snowmobiling routes at Booseberry Falls State Park, along Lake Superior, MN; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Sept. 10, 2007.

Denver's trail system displayed on standard parks and recreation department trailhead signs

Map of South Platte River Greenway, the central spine of Denver's extensive trail system; "You are here" location is in red lettering.

Grand Forks/East Grand Forks National Recreation Trail; the greenway runs along the Red River, the boundary between ND and MN.

Detail of map showing trailhead and route system; Grand Forks/East Grand Forks National Recreation Trail, MN and ND

Map along RiverWay trail adjoining Mississippi River on Illinois side of the Quad Cities.

Trailhead map showing trail system of Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, PA; photo by Stuart Macdonald, Oct. 6, 2008

Trailhead map showing section of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal trail heading west from Washington, DC

Detail of trailhead map, Tennessee Riverpark in Chattanooga, TN

Van Bibber linear Park sign, Jefferson County CO; photo by Stuart Macdonald, August 1, 2009

Asheville, NC lake and trail system on routed wood sign; 2006 Eagle Scout project by Coleman Fowler

Bronze plaque includes a map of trail along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, NV

Limestone pillar encloses ceramic map of Waller Creek Trail, Austin TX; photo by Stuart Macdonald, May 9, 2007.