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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-appalachian-white-blazes

What color are the painted blazes that mark the Appalachian Trail?

White, painted as 2 by 6 inch rectangles at regular intervals.

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  1. Orange
  2. Blue
  3. White ✔

Why: Trail blazes are paint marks on trees and rocks that show the way. The Appalachian Trail uses white rectangles about 2 by 6 inches, painted at regular intervals.

Huh, didn't know that: Acadia National Park marks some of its trails with painted blue blazes and asks hikers never to change them.

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Why did the hiker follow the white blazes? He wanted to stay on the straight and narrow.
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References

Answer: White. Trail blazes are paint marks on trees and rocks that show the way. The Appalachian Trail uses white rectangles about 2 by 6 inches, painted at regular intervals.

  1. Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Navigation Tools appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/essential-skills/navigation-tools
    The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is marked by white blazes
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. NPS Acadia: Hike Safely in Acadia www.nps.gov/articles/000/hike-safely-in-acadia.htm
    Do not make or modify rock cairns and painted blue blazes that hikers use as references to follow trails.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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