Appreciation post: Trail markers on Pine Ridge Loop are confusing near the split
Just finished the Pine Ridge Loop yesterday and I have to say, the trail markers got really confusing after the big rock. The yellow blazes seemed to just stop for a bit near that split for the overlook. I ended up heading the wrong way for a solid ten minutes before I realized. This could be a real issue for someone new to the area or hiking alone. Has anyone else had trouble reading the markers on that section?
Seriously? Ten whole minutes going the wrong way? That's a huge chunk of time to be lost out there. Those markers must be a complete mess if they let you wander that far off. I'd be so frustrated after backtracking all that way. They really need to get that fixed before someone gets properly turned around.
My buddy Mark followed a faded trail marker last fall and wound up a mile past the turnoff. He said the path just sort of faded into bushes and he spent half an hour bushwhacking before finding a creek he recognized. That whole system they used to paint the blazes needs a serious refresh, no doubt about it. Your breadcrumb idea might not be so silly after all.