Marked/unmarked trails

[Adk_dib]

I just was wondering why some trails are marked and some are not. I plan on doing seward range via calkins brook trail this weekend. last year I did seymour, and on the way I never saw the calkins brook trail or the seward trail next to ward brook lean to. Was on range trail last weekend and it looked like a highway with all the signs. It is a long hike to begin with, most people can't afford the extra time going down false herd paths and taking wrong turns. A little sign with a arrow on it at specific points wouldn't hurt the beauty of the hike. Its better than getting someone lost and having to scramble out in the dark. Maybe the trail is obvious and there will be no problem, so far the other "trailess" peaks I have done have been so. But I herd that many people taking the old route up seward have gotten off track and have had to bushwack to the summit. Maybe I should read "Hiking for Idiots".

 

[teejay]

The Calkins Brook route to the Sewards is no where near Ward Brook lean-to. To reach it, start toward Ward Brook (trail 129) then turn right on the Calkins Brook truck trail (130) at 1.2 miles. You will reach the start of the herd path before crossing the brook after another 2.2 miles. It is marked with a cairn on the left of the marked trail. After leaving the truck trail you will follow the brook for a few minutes then cross it and climb out of the brook drainage. This herd path is very easy to follow. When you reach the ridge there is another junction. Turn right for Donaldson and Emmons, left for Seward.

Why are some trails marked and others not? Just 'cuz? Pete? I guess DEC has decided that there were enough markings already and trails historically unmarked, i.e. trailless, would stay that way.

teejay