1. How to Sign A Trail Accurately
Trail Signing
How to Sign A Trail Accurately
Prepared for Crooked Trails Club
Crooked Trails Inc.

2. What is the purpose of signing?
Crooked Trails Inc.

3. To regulate the flow of traffic
Inform riders of particular trail characteristics
Provide information necessary to the enjoyment of the trail riding experience
Crooked Trails Inc.

4. General Guidelines
Except for informational signs and guide signs, ALL TRAIL SIGNS MUST BE FULLY REFLECTORIZED.
No trail sign should be place more than 6 feet from the edge of the groomed trail.
Place trail signs to the RIGHT of the trail to conform with the rider’s familiarity with the placement of highway signs.
Crooked Trails Inc.

5. General Guidelines cont’d…
Place sign with the more important message on top. Stop signs always convey the most important message.
Use adequately sized wood or metal
sign posts to provide stability and
deter vandalism.
Avoid overuse of all signs. Only trail signs meeting standards for shape, color, size and reflectorization are allowed on the trails.
Crooked Trails Inc.

6. Types of Signs
Crooked Trails Inc.

7. Blazer
A Blazer is to reassure the rider that they are on a designated trail.
Post immediately beyond points of intersection
In open agricultural areas, blazers should be closely spaced to clearly show the trail location.
6” x 6”
Crooked Trails Inc.

8. Directional Arrow
The primary purpose of the directional arrow is to advise the rider of a change in direction. Directional arrows should NOT be used to mark trails in place of blazers and should only point left or right. They can be placed slightly ahead of a turn or directly in the corner on the right side ONLY.
9” x 9”
Crooked Trails Inc.

9. Correct
Incorrect
Incorrect
Crooked Trails Inc.

10. New Directional Arrow Sign
In 2006 there was a new directional arrow sign introduced.
As you replace your existing orange/black signs, replace with the new ones.
Again, it is only to be used left or right.
Crooked Trails Inc.

11. Caution
Used to advise the rider to proceed with caution at a reduced speed or to advise the rider of a specific trail condition.
The use of a caution sign with a specific message is always better than posting the generic “Caution Ahead” message.
Good
Better
Best
12” x 12” Minimum
Crooked Trails Inc.

12. Chevrons
In a sweeping curve or sharp right angle turn situation, the addition of chevrons is very desirable. The chevron is not a replacement for a directional arrow. The chevrons are placed outside of a turn or curve at approximately a right angle to the approaching traffic.
The minimum number of chevrons visible on an approach is two (2) but the preferable number is three (3).
12” x 12”
Crooked Trails Inc.

13. This is one sign that is approved for placement on the left-hand side of the trail.
Crooked Trails Inc.

14. Crooked Trails Inc.

15. Regulatory 12” x 12” Minimum
Stop signs are used to halt users on a trail at road crossings, highway bridge crossings, public railroad crossings or trail intersections.
The use of a stop sign is mandatory at all crossings where the snowmobile/ATV operator must cross one or more lanes of highway traffic.
12” x 12” Minimum
Crooked Trails Inc.

16. Yield signs rather than Stop signs may be used at trail intersections or junctions where speed and visibility allow the safe blending of vehicles without the necessity of a stop.
Placement of Stop or Yield signs in highway right-of-way requires the permission of the unit of gov’t in charge of maintaining the highway.
12” x 12” Minimum
Crooked Trails Inc.

17. Regulatory signs are also used to inform the user of laws or regulations that would not be otherwise apparent. Examples of these are:
12” x 12” Minimum
12” x 18”
Crooked Trails Inc.

18. Bridge, Culvert and Hazard Markers
Bridge and culvert crossings should be signed with the standardized, reflective black and yellow hazard markers. Used in pairs, the hazard markers delineate an opening through which the rider must pass. The markers should be placed on each end rail of the bridge or on separate posts if the bridge is not railed.
Left Side
Right Side
6” x 12” minimum
Crooked Trails Inc.

19. Guide Signs
Guide signs are used to direct the rider to a destination on the trail. They should be placed at decision points along the trails such as intersections and trailheads. These signs must have a reflectorized white legend on a brown background.
Arrows may point in any direction.
2” Upper case letters minimum.
Sizes will vary.
Crooked Trails Inc.

20. Currently, the state places language in their Memorandum of Agreement on state trails that are operated by a county. This is currently somewhat more restrictive than the rest of our trails but the county MUST comply with this language. It is:
The County agrees that any signage or display material relating to the trail shall clearly identify the property is owned by the Department and under the management and control of the County. No commercial advertising shall be allowed on the property. The County may allow signs providing directional information about trail-related services. No specific business names, logos, trademarks, or other advertising shall appear in signage within the trail corridor. The Department reserves the right to remove non-compliant signage located on the property.
Crooked Trails Inc.

21. Informational Signs
Informational signs are used to furnish information about trails, facilities, or road crossings. Also geographic features can be named to help establish location. Standard colors are white with brown background and reflectorization is encouraged.
Crooked Trails Inc.

22. Special Signs
In some areas it may be desirable to use special signs to assist the user. Examples are:
You Are Here
This is generally a map placed under plastic mounted on wood with an identifier of location on it.
Corridor Sign
The corridor sign designates major travelways and major north-south or east-west trails. Colors are white lettering on a blue background.
Crooked Trails Inc.

23. Trail Marking Examples
Both the good and the bad
Dottyville Club leads by Example
Crooked Trails Inc.

24. Examples
R I G H T !
Right?
Wrong?
Crooked Trails Inc.

25. What’s the problem? What’s the solution? Can’t see Stop Sign
Taller Sign Post
Brush out trail more
Poor Brushing
Cut tree down
Crooked Trails Inc.

26. What would you change here?
Remove broken sign
Replace orange arrow with Green Route Sign
Crooked Trails Inc.

27. What would you change here?
Replace route sign with blazer.
Crooked Trails Inc.

28. Clear up the CONJESTION!
Replace orange blazer with green arrow
Stop Sign on TOP!
Buy new post.
Crooked Trails Inc.

29. Crooked Trails Inc.

30. A MESS!
On Street Sign post
Route or Trail ?
Crooked Trails Inc.

31. Sign on wrong side of the trail
Gate sign should not have been used here
Crooked Trails Inc.

32. Should have used Chevrons here Barrier/Gate sign not approriate here
Lack of maintenance of signs - road name up side down!
Crooked Trails Inc.

33. How many signs does it take?
Too Many Signs!!!
12 signs at this intersection
What ones are needed?
Arrow or Caution with chevrons
No ATV’s sign for section of trail closed.
Crooked Trails Inc.

34. Thank you for signing our trails!
Crooked Trails Inc.