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Appalachian Trail Signage on C&O Canal
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » Appalachian Trail Signage on C&O Canal » Document List
The National Park Service will address improvements to the Appalachian Trail signs along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. For approximately 3 miles, the Appalachian Trail travels on the historic C&O Canal towpath from Harpers Ferry to Weverton, Washington County, MD.
Currently, eight wooden posts serve as markers along the towpath to guide Appalachian Trail hikers. These posts are 6"x6"x4' posts with Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) blazing on it. It has been noted, however, that the transition points from to the Appalachian Trail to the towpath have been problematic over the years. Hikers have not been able to readily identify the direction of travel and have gone the wrong direction on the towpath. Hiker letters of complaint have encouraged additional sign posts to alleviate the confusion.
This project will attempt to better mark the Appalachian Trail by installing three new posts and moving an existing post to a more suitable location. Three existing posts can be removed as they are redundant within the line of sight requirements for the trail marking.
The park's Interdisciplinary Team reviewed the project for impacts to natural and cultural resources. The project does not pose any serious or long-term effects to the environmental, historical, cultural, archeological, or visual resources. It meets categorical exclusion #C.5 – Installation of signs, displays, and kiosks.
Currently, eight wooden posts serve as markers along the towpath to guide Appalachian Trail hikers. These posts are 6"x6"x4' posts with Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) blazing on it. It has been noted, however, that the transition points from to the Appalachian Trail to the towpath have been problematic over the years. Hikers have not been able to readily identify the direction of travel and have gone the wrong direction on the towpath. Hiker letters of complaint have encouraged additional sign posts to alleviate the confusion.
This project will attempt to better mark the Appalachian Trail by installing three new posts and moving an existing post to a more suitable location. Three existing posts can be removed as they are redundant within the line of sight requirements for the trail marking.
The park's Interdisciplinary Team reviewed the project for impacts to natural and cultural resources. The project does not pose any serious or long-term effects to the environmental, historical, cultural, archeological, or visual resources. It meets categorical exclusion #C.5 – Installation of signs, displays, and kiosks.