Trail reroute
Overview
A trail reroute is a temporary or permanent change in the trail’s official path due to environmental damage, construction, safety concerns, or land-management decisions.
Key points
- Common after fire, erosion, flooding, or land closures.
- May add or reduce mileage depending on the new route.
- Can be seasonal or long-term.
- Displayed in updated maps and digital apps.
- Requires hikers to follow posted signage or detours.
- Aims to protect ecosystems and ensure hiker safety.
Details
Land agencies and trail associations reroute trails when existing sections become unsafe or environmentally unsustainable. Reasons include landslides, wildfire burn areas, erosion, flooding, or private land access changes.
Reroutes may be short, well-marked detours or extended alternate paths lasting multiple seasons. Updated GPS tracks, maps, and trailhead notices help hikers stay informed.
Following official reroutes protects natural areas and respects property boundaries while ensuring safe passage.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.