If you’ve ever hiked in Texas, you may have come across stacks of rocks along the trail. They might look cool or artistic, but did you know that stacking rocks in certain areas of Texas is actually illegal?
What Are Cairns?
These rock stacks are called cairns, and they are often made as landmarks, art, or simply for fun. While it may seem harmless to stack a few rocks, in Texas, this activity is not allowed in many public areas, especially state parks.
Why Is It Illegal to Stack Rocks in Texas?
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), stacking rocks disrupts the local ecosystem. The rocks in these areas provide protection and habitat for wildlife. By moving or stacking them, you could be harming these sensitive environments.
A recent post from Dinosaur State Park shared their concern after visitors created several cairns. While they appreciated the creativity, they reminded everyone that building cairns disturbs critical wildlife habitats, especially during droughts or low water levels.
Leave No Trace
Texas state parks are part of the Leave No Trace initiative, which encourages visitors to respect the natural environment by not disturbing plants, animals, or geological features like rocks. This includes not stacking rocks or touching cairns that have already been built.
What You Should Do
Next time you’re out hiking in Texas, remember to leave the rocks as you found them. Don’t stack them or disturb any existing stacks. Also, be mindful of wildlife and never feed animals while hiking.
By respecting these rules, you’ll help preserve the natural beauty of Texas for future visitors to enjoy.