In the past, Native Americans used bent trees as trail markers to navigate through forests. They would bend young trees by inserting a piece into a hole, allowing the tree to grow around it. These trees often had a noticeable notch at the end of the bend, distinguishing them from naturally occurring shapes. Many of these trees, which can be over 150 years old, still stand today, serving as historic landmarks. The Mountain Stewards website has mapped over 1,000 of these bent trees across the U.S., preserving their significance as guides for indigenous travelers.
