Cairns and Controversy in Wilderness Environments The rugged beauty of wilderness areas has long been a draw for hikers, campers, and explorers seeking to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature.
However, amidst this tranquility, controversy has brewed over the use of cairns – stacks of stones built to mark trails, indicate direction, or commemorate important sites.
The Origins of Cairns: A Symbolic Trail Marking System Cairns have a rich history dating back thousands of years to ancient cultures that relied on stone cairns as navigational aids.