These days, most of us wouldn’t dream of traveling without GPS. Technology guides us everywhere — so much so that it’s easy to forget how people once navigated the world without it. Long before modern maps and navigation apps, nature itself offered clues… and one of the most fascinating examples lies in bent trees.
According to American Forests, unusual-looking trees with oddly curved trunks and strange bends can be found all across the United States. While some are simply natural anomalies, many were intentionally shaped centuries ago by Native Americans. These are known as trail marker trees — living signposts used to point travelers toward essential resources like water, safe passages, food sources, and settlements.
To create these markers, Native Americans carefully bent young saplings and secured them in place using straps and wooden pegs. As the trees grew, they retained the unnatural bend — becoming permanent guides through rugged landscapes. Although their original purpose has faded from common memory, these trees are now cherished as silent storytellers of history.
So how do you tell a natural bent tree from a man-made one?
There are two distinctive signs:
• A “nose” or notch — Many trail marker trees feature a protruding bump at the end of the bend. This formed when a piece of wood was inserted into the tree as it grew, creating a noticeable knob.
• Scarring from old straps — If you examine the inside curve of the bend, you may spot faint scars where straps once held the trunk in place during its early years of shaping.
Most trail marker trees are now between 150 and 200 years old. Unfortunately, many are endangered due to land development, logging, and urban expansion. That’s why organizations like Mountain Stewards have stepped in — mapping and documenting over 1,000 of these incredible trees throughout the country to preserve their stories for future generations.
If you ever come across a bent tree during a hike, take a closer look. You might just be standing in front of a remarkable piece of living history.
Don’t forget to share this fascinating information with friends and family!
