A bent tree in the woods could be a century-old directional sign.
While most people would just walk by a bent tree in the woods without giving it a second thought, there appears to be a lot more to it than most people know.
As it turns out, Native American tribes would often bend trees in order to use then as natural trail markers in particularly rough country.
Found all over American forests, these trail marker trees are an incredible aspect of American history.
As an avid hiker, backpacker, and overall outdoorsman, I have seen plenty of these trail trees myself. Is it a coincidence that most of my more notable bent tree sightings happened on reservations in Wyoming? Probably not.
While there may be situations while this is caused naturally and not a deliberate permanent trail marker, there seems to be plenty of people that suggest this was indeed a common Native American practice. Knowing the safe paths to and from important landmarks was vital before the GPS and Google Map technology of modern life.
Next time your are in the woods and see a bent tree, be sure to look around for others in the area. After all, you may be standing on an old trail used by indigenous people centuries in the past.
Did you enjoy this post? CLICK HERE to view more articles by Jesse Males. You can also follow him on Facebook Backwater Fly Fishing, Twitter @Backwater_Fly, and Instagram backwaterflyfishing.
NEXT: MAN FILMS A TREE IN THE WOODS FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR, AND WHAT HE CAPTURES IS BREATHTAKING
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