The Case Against Cairns: Why Leaving Them Be Matters for Our Public Lands Protected areas have long been a cornerstone of wilderness preservation efforts, providing a refuge from human dominated landscapes and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Within these protected zones, cairns – man made stone piles – have become an increasingly ubiquitous feature among hikers and backpackers.
These structures serve as makeshift signposts, helping travelers navigate unmarked terrain, but their proliferation raises questions about the impact of human presence on the natural world.