Left: A bear stands on a gravel path looking at a sign with a bear's face on it. Right: A sign on a tree reads, “HUNTERS PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN HUNTING PEDESTRIANS USING WALK, TRAILS.”

Hiking trails are usually associated with peaceful scenery, fresh air, and quiet escapes into nature. Most people head out expecting beautiful views and maybe the occasional wildlife encounter along the way. What they don’t expect, however, is to come across signs so strange or unintentionally hilarious that they completely steal the attention from the hike itself.

Whether they were written as serious warnings or desperate attempts to deal with unpredictable hikers, each funny sign adds an unexpected bit of personality to the trail. Some are genuinely useful, others are completely ridiculous, but all of them are memorable enough to make people stop and laugh before continuing down the trail. Let’s take a look at 18 funny signs hikers found while walking on trails.

1. Tim should probably stay away… just incase

A park sign in Union County, New Jersey reads: "Take only photos, leave only footprints, kill only Tim, please stay on the trails." The phrase "kill only Tim" appears to be a humorous or mistaken addition.
whippet66/VIA Reddit.com

2. In all seriousness, though, don’t hike alone

A warning sign in a natural outdoor area reads: "Cougar in area. Please stay on trails, travel in small groups and do not allow men under 30 to travel alone.
lmanwell23/VIA Reddit.com

3. What will the trail do?

A sign on a wooden post shows a figure walking off a trail with a red line crossing it out. It reads: "No abandonar el sendero. Do not let the trail. Bitte den wanderpfad nicht verlassen.
garlicbean/VIA Reddit.com

4. This bear is amazed at his wanted sign posted on a local trail

A large brown bear stands on a gravel path, looking at a sign with a picture of a bear and informational text in a wooded area on a sunny day.
reddittokstories/VIA Reddit.com

5. You could have warned me a little earlier

A yellow warning sign reads "Trail unsafe when under water" and is partially submerged in floodwater, with trees and swirling water in the background.
teachmelmwilling69/VIA Reddit.com

6. What did the unicyclists do to deserve this?

A sign on grass beside a road reads: "Prohibited: Motorbikes, electric scooters, unicycles, & hoverboards." Trees and a partially cloudy sky are visible in the background.
then-championship-67/VIA Reddit.com

7. Evidently, this train is not for everyone

A sign on a forest trail reads: "This trail feels like climbing a 10 story building 10 times. Visitors with health issues should not hike this trail." It stands on a dirt path surrounded by trees.
dephneista/VIA Reddit.com

8. Is this sign just a suggestion?

These funny signs read "Falling can be deadly. Please stay on the trail." with an image of a person falling off a ledge. Below it, a wooden sign says "Not a trail." Greenery and trees are visible in the background.
subi-lee/VIA Reddit.com

9. “I found this on a new cycle trail today, glad this wasn’t on the route.”

A metal gate blocks a dirt path with a sign that reads: "DO NOT CROSS THIS FIELD unless you can do it in 9 seconds because the bull can do it in 10." Rocks and greenery are visible in the background.
userdeleted/VIA Reddit.com

10. Punctuation can save your life… literally

A sign attached to a tree reads: "HUNTERS PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN HUNTING PEDESTRIANS USING WALK TRAILS." The sign is surrounded by tree branches against a partly cloudy sky.
redditrocks2021/VIA Reddit.com

11. If you mark an unmarked trail, isn’t it now marked?

A dirt path in a forest with a red sign reading "THIS PATH IS NOT A MARKED TRAIL." Trees and green foliage surround the unmarked pathway.
kenny_squeek_scolari/VIA Reddit.com

12. Ramsey Park, Minnesota

A sign at Ramsey Park reads, "Ramsey Park is not a bank. Don't let your pets leave a deposit." Nearby are a bag dispenser for pet waste and a green park map; a paved path winds through trees in the background.
lonely-blue-sheep/VIA Reddit.com

13. Well, that’s encouraging, I guess

A wooded trail ascends through a green forest. In the foreground, a wooden sign reads "Cardiac Climb" with a smaller sign below that says "Almost Halfway.
trailnotfound/VIA Reddit/com

14. That’s quite the juxtaposition

A red trail marker in dense green foliage displays signs reading: "Leaving School Property," "Caution! Private Hunting Area," and "NBAS Nature Study Trails" with caution symbols.
cj-does-stuff/VIA Reddit.com

15. You’d better have your bear spray when Bigfoot comes around

A yellow sign on a tree reads "Beware Bigfoot in Area" with silhouettes of Bigfoot and people running. The background shows a forest with bare trees and sunlight.
userdeleted/via Reddit.com

16. Well, what is it then?

A wooded trail covered with dry leaves winds through the trees. A sign on the left reads, "Not a trail. Stay out." The surrounding forest is sparse with early spring foliage.
bigbearfarmkid/VIA Reddit.com

17. Finally, a sign my dog can understand

A green and white Glendale park sign reads: “Attention Dog Owners: Please pick up after your dog. Thank you. Attention Dogs: Grrr, Ruff, Ruff, Woof, Good Dog.” Desert landscape in background.
userdeleted/VIA Reddit.com

18. Now that’s a trail marker I can relate to

A trail sign in a grassy, hilly area reads "Mentally Sensitive" and points left. It indicates the trail is difficult, no bikes allowed, and features hiking symbols under a clear blue sky.
userdeleted/VIA Reddit.com

Want to see more funny signs?

Check out 20 Funny Signs That Clearly Gave Up on Being Polite, or take a look at 23 Funny Signs That Were Spotted In The Wild. Finally, if you want to see funny winter signs, check out 25 Funny Signs That Show Winter Brings Out Everyone’s Unfiltered Side.

Meet the Writer

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He’s also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can’t stop talking about.

Whether it’s a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.