In the age of GPS, it’s easy to forget how people navigated without technology. Long before GPS, Native Americans used a clever method to find their way in the wilderness – they bent trees. These “trail trees” served as markers, guiding travelers through rugged terrain, leading them to water, food, and significant locations.

According to American Forests, these peculiarly shaped trees with bent trunks and unique kinks were skillfully manipulated by Native Americans. Over time, the trees maintained their distinct shapes. While modern life has diminished their purpose, these trail trees hold historical significance.

These man-made bent trees can be distinguished from naturally occurring ones by a unique feature: a prominent nose or notch at the end of the bend, created by growing the tree around an inserted section.

Although many of these trees are 150-200 years old, they face the threat of deforestation due to human activity. The Mountain Stewards website documents over 1,000 bent trees across the country, preserving a piece of American history that may soon disappear. Explore these remarkable landmarks before they vanish.