Are Rock Cairns Dangerous to the Hudson Valley Ecosystem?

What Is a Rock Cairn?

If you've ever hit one of the many local trails across the Hudson Valley there's a good chance you probably have come across a rock cairn.

According to the National Parks, a cairn is a human made stack of stones, often used as a marker, landmark, or as a monument. These stacks of rocks are usually made by park rangers and are carefully maintained by park staff.

While National parks like El Malpais, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Acadia cairns are carefully maintained by park staff to keep hikers on the correct path, other hiking trails like some here in the Hudson Valley aren't and can become confusing for hikers.

With that being said there are pros and cons to these rock cairns you may see along the trail.

Rock Cairns: Dangerous To Some Ecosystems

As the weather continues to grow warmer across the nation, many are hitting the trails and heading to their favorite local fishing spot.

The National Parks and Forest Support Facebook page shared some details to how rock cairns can be dangerous, especially by bodies of water. They write:

Building rock cairns seems harmless, but doing so can disturb the creatures, vegetation, and ecosystems that rely on these rocks

They continue by stating "In river ecosystems like at Upper Delaware, microhabitats are affected by seemingly small changes in water flow when rocks are moved and displaced."

What To Do When You Come Across a Rock Cairn

Now after reading all of this information and digesting it, it may seem like you should get rid of any " unauthorized cairns."

However, the National Parks says "don’t knock it down or don’t add to it." Unauthorized cairns will be dismantled by Park Rangers and trail staff.

Keep this in mind when you visit any local trails this year and if you need some hiking trail recommendations, we've got you covered.