Strange Tree Carvings?

[DavidR]

Has anyone seen these? Know what they mean?


Tree Symbol (2)



Tree Symbol

[weathermansam]

The top I've taken to be an inverted turkey foot symbol.  Every one I've seen is fresh, and new ones seem to be cropping up [saw a new one on the white oak hollow shortcut this past weekend].  The bottom one is a directional marker.  Usually on the other side is an "S" with a swooping J like symbol incorporated.  They're marking north and south.  Also usually much more clean work, like this.  I've seen those on Parker, Hubbard and Beech Creek.  They don't appear quite as recent, at least.  


North on Parker Branch

South on Parker Branch

[Joshua Szulecki]

Two possible explanations based on speculation...

1) I remember reading something about turkey foot markings having something to do with an old Indian trail in the area, but I can't put my finger on where I read it... Maybe somebody decided to refresh the symbols?

2) I see some information on the internet that it might be somehow related to Knights of the Golden Circle. It looks like somebody has been going around making them in the last few years. I can't get definitive information, but it looks like a three-toed turkey symbol was among those used.

[DavidR]

@Sam: I've seen the south on Parker and thought it was someone’s initials. The N symbol makes me think of electronics schematics, the right side is open and the left side is a closed circuit. I am thinking that it indicates to head to the left side of something and north. Also considering the area that I found these, in conjunction with other information I have regarding certain relics, this would make sense. Perhaps the swooping J is also an indicator of path in the southern direction.

@Josh, this is very interesting information you mention. The symbols are indeed fresh, at least in the last few years and also match the coloration and depth of other carvings in the same area. I must say that I am quite intrigued.

[MobileBackpacker]

Saw a relatively new turkey foot marking on the Eagle ck this past weekend, cant remember where though

[weathermansam]

The symbols are indeed fresh, at least in the last few years and also match the coloration and depth of other carvings in the same area. I must say that I am quite intrigued.

I'm rather quite annoyed. 

[squidbilly]

Maybe that's not a turkey foot. It looks like a symbol that tells you the creek or trail enters a constriction. Like those places common in the Sipsey area where the canyon walls get steep and you have to either walk in the creek or climb uphill to get by.
 
I think David might be correct about the other directional symbols. It seems to make sense.

Anyway, I agree with Sam. I'm more irritated than intrigued. Who wants to see "signs" to tell them what to expect or which side of the creek to walk in the wilderness?  Almost as silly as  "John loves Susie" or "stoopid kid wuz here" type graffitti.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Yup, ticked off here, too.

[DavidR]

I'm referring to the North and South symbols being interesting. The turkey foot, or more likely the path symbol as Billy suggests, are a new symbol that is popping up. Based on what I know of them to date, I agree that these seem unnecessary, but confess that they are of a complexity beyond the average defacement. If they indeed mark the conditions of the trail ahead, they are useless.
I hope to examine patterns throughout  the forest soon comparing Indian marker trees to known trails and bluff line, plotting mortars, arborglyphs, and petroglyphs to construct a picture of the daily activity at that time, and common characteristics surrounding certain symbols. 

[Adahy]

Found this one on Montgomery Creek today.

[dogwood]

"1) I remember reading something about turkey foot markings having something to do with an old Indian trail in the area, but I can't put my finger on where I read it... Maybe somebody decided to refresh the symbols?

2) I see some information on the internet that it might be somehow related to Knights of the Golden Circle. It looks like somebody has been going around making them in the last few years. I can't get definitive information, but it looks like a three-toed turkey symbol was among those used. "

Josh, you probably already know this, but the Pinhoti is an old indian trail and is marked with a turkey foot painted (or metal tagged) blaze.  

Have any of you guys followed the markings to see where they lead?  Could be an exclusive hiking club's mark, cultish group's shindig in the woods, reblaze of an historic trail, etc...?

[weathermansam]

"1) I remember reading something about turkey foot markings having something to do with an old Indian trail in the area, but I can't put my finger on where I read it... Maybe somebody decided to refresh the symbols?

2) I see some information on the internet that it might be somehow related to Knights of the Golden Circle. It looks like somebody has been going around making them in the last few years. I can't get definitive information, but it looks like a three-toed turkey symbol was among those used. "

Josh, you probably already know this, but the Pinhoti is an old indian trail and is marked with a turkey foot painted (or metal tagged) blaze.  

Have any of you guys followed the markings to see where they lead?  Could be an exclusive hiking club's mark, cultish group's shindig in the woods, reblaze of an historic trail, etc...?

There's not a string of them together to follow.  Just one here, one there.  I found on one Eagle Creek a few months back as well.