| What it is | Two stacked blazes |
| Means | Turn, junction, or route change |
| Offset top blaze | Hints at turn direction |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A double blaze is two trail blazes placed close together to warn hikers of an upcoming turn, junction, or route change. Often the upper blaze is offset toward the direction of the turn. Spotting a double blaze is a cue to slow down and confirm where the trail goes.
How to read it
It’s a warning attached to the normal blaze system — look for the turn, and note any offset of the top blaze hinting at direction.
Above treeline
Where there are no trees to blaze, the same job is done by cairns.
Frequently asked questions
What does a double blaze mean?
Two blazes stacked together signal a change ahead — typically a turn, a trail junction, or a route change. It's a heads-up to pay attention and make sure you follow the trail correctly rather than continuing straight.
How do you read a double blaze?
Treat it as a warning and look for where the trail goes next. On many systems the top blaze is offset left or right to indicate the direction of the turn, though conventions vary, so confirm visually.
What is an offset blaze?
An offset double blaze has the upper marker shifted toward the side the trail turns, giving a directional hint. Not all trail systems use this convention, so use it as a clue rather than a guarantee.
Sources
- Trail markers — American Hiking Society