Trail flaggers will mark the trail in the downstream direction and going clockwise around the lake.

Good trail flagging provides the racers with a clear idea of where they are going, where not to go and consequently, serve as confidence boosters. We are using both green and yellow engineering ribbon. This is to prevent any ambiguity as there can be other flagging in various portions of the trail corridor.

In flagging a trail section, keep the following in mind.

1. Tear off about 2-3 feet of both yellow and green engineering ribbon.
2. Starting from the section trailhead and looking downstream, visualize the corridor covered with snow including the blue trail blazes on the trees. How apparent is the treadway? Consider 50 yards down if there are few turns and/or obstacles. Is there an unobstructed line of sight? If so, then look for a good overhanging branch. Optimally, engineering ribbon will drape down from a sturdy branch slightly above eye level for an average person if in the main trail corridor. If off slightly to the side of the trail corridor, the ribbon can drape down from above head level to neck level. We want the flagging to be extremely apparent but if it gets in everyone’s eyes, someone might take it down.
3. If there are turns, sudden ups and downs, obstacles, side trails and intersecting trails, etc. consider flagging before and after each obstacle. However, do not go overboard. Our sweeper team has to take them all down while watching the runners on race day.
4. A good rule of thumb is to consider that the runner has never been on the trail, the blazes are covered or faded and the runner does not have a course description. Runners should be able to see some flagging at least every five-ten minutes.
5. Do not tie the flagging in double knots. One easy loop seems to hold them pretty good. Again, we have to think of the trail sweepers. (A little note about a slip knot, one that allows us to gently tug one end and remove the flagging, would be nice, and that flagging tends to stay up no matter how loosely and minimally tied it is would be great. Tying them around a small twig is the hardest to remove. Sometimes these small twigs are unavoidable.
   I have yet to ever pick up any of our flagging off the ground.)
6. If you see some old orange or red ribbon, feel free to remove it. We are the only group that has permission to flag the trail right now.
7. If you notice some trail obstacles, dumping, or any problems please make a note and let me know. It is very helpful if you can be sort of accurate in identifying the problem area so we do not have to carry a lot of equipment in from what may not be the closest point.
8. For most, expect to use less than a roll of each color even if doing close to five miles (e.g., 28 to Berryville)
9. If you are over six feet tall try to remember that our sweeper team may not be able to reach as high as you.