Buzz
A stone cairn stands guard atop Mont Gerbier de Jonc in Ardèche, France. R. Capelle/Getty ImagesIf you’ve recently explored hiking trails, you’ve likely spotted these small, deliberate rock formations known as cairns appearing everywhere. Environmental experts globally are growing increasingly concerned, as displacing rocks can lead to unintended impacts on insects, wildlife, and even the terrain.
For centuries, humans have stacked stones, often for navigation or ceremonial reasons. In modern times, park authorities have used them on hiking routes, particularly on confusing trails, to guide hikers and prevent them from losing their way.
In 1896, Waldron Bates introduced a unique hiking cairn design in Acadia National Park. Known as Bates cairns, these structures featured a rectangular stone balanced on two supports, with an additional stone on top indicating the trail direction. Although standard cairns replaced them in the 1950s and 1960s, the park revived the historic Bates cairns in the 1990s. Today, Acadia features a blend of both styles.
Scientists are increasingly worried about the trend of building rock piles for artistic purposes or social media appeal. Stacking rocks is far from harmless. Many insects and small animals rely on rocks for shelter, breeding, or evading predators. Displacing a single rock can destroy a habitat, and stacking multiple rocks may leave vulnerable creatures exposed to danger.
While it might seem exaggerated, stacking rocks in forests, beaches, or deserts can unintentionally devastate entire ecosystems. In severe cases, it could even endanger species already at risk of extinction.
Some enthusiasts argue they act responsibly by returning rocks to their original locations after creating and dismantling their art. However, even a slight displacement can irreversibly damage a species' habitat. Moreover, moving rocks accelerates soil erosion, as the exposed soil beneath them becomes vulnerable to being washed away.
If you encounter stacked rocks, particularly in national parks, avoid disturbing them. While hiking, don’t assume they are trail markers. The National Park Service advises consulting park officials before starting your hike, as cairn regulations vary by park. You should neither remove cairns meant for navigation nor follow those potentially built by casual visitors.
Ultimately, let this crucial principle guide your actions: Leave no trace behind.
An inukshuk (plural: inuksuit) is a stone cairn shaped like a human figure, traditionally used by the Inuit, Iñupiat, Kalaallit, and Yupik peoples of North America. Found in Greenland, northern Canada, and Alaska, these structures served specific functions, such as marking paths, pointing to food sources, or signaling potential dangers.
