Step 1 of 10 · Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost
Read the legend like a dictionary
Read the legend like a dictionary — step 1 of 10 in Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost. Every map has a legend box — usually bottom or side margin. It defines every symbol: dashed lines (trails), solid lines (roads), blue lines…
Free outdoor skills tip: Read the legend like a dictionary (step 1 of 10 from "Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost").
Every map has a legend box — usually bottom or side margin. It defines every symbol: dashed lines (trails), solid lines (roads), blue lines (water), green shading (vegetation), white (open ground), and special icons (campsite, viewpoint, parking). Never assume a symbol — check.
Spend five minutes with the legend before you leave the car. Note which dash pattern is a hiking trail versus a 4WD track versus a property boundary. Misreading one line type puts you on the wrong path within 20 minutes.
2 more paragraphs in this tip — free with a Learnlyst account.
Create a free account to read the full tip
Unlock “Read the legend like a dictionary” plus daily tips. Guides and course pages stay public for search.
From the full photographed course
Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost →This tip is one step — unlock all 10 steps inside Learnlyst.
More Outdoor Skills tips
Ready for the full Learnlyst library?
Free account for daily tips · $9/mo or $79/yr for every course.