Hash Marks 101: Decoding Trail Symbols

One of the first confusing things for new hashers is understanding the marks on the ground. Here’s your complete guide to trail markings.

Basic Trail Marks

Arrow or Line

Standard directional arrow made with flour or chalk. Follow it!

Blob/Splodge

A circle or irregular blob means “on trail” - you’re going the right way.

Check (Circle with X or Lines)

A circle with an X inside, or lines radiating outward. This means the trail could go in any direction. Find the next mark!

Decision Points

False Trail (F, FT, or Three Lines)

Usually marked with an F, FT, or three horizontal lines. This is a dead end! Go back to the last check and try another direction.

Back Check (BC or Check with Back Arrow)

Indicates there may be marks behind you. Look backward from the check.

Numbered Check (3, 5, 7)

The number tells you how many marks are in that direction. Count them as you go.

Special Marks

Beer Check / Beer Near (BN)

Stop! There’s beer ahead. Usually marks a hydration break location.

Shot Check

Like a beer check, but for liquor shots. Common at themed hashes.

On-Home (OH or On-In)

The finish is near! Head directly to the circle.

Hare Arrow

An arrow pointing to the side, sometimes with an H. Shows where the hare went - NOT necessarily where trail goes.

Terrain-Specific Tips

• Urban: Look for chalk on sidewalks, flour in gutters
• Suburban: Check utility boxes, street signs, lamp posts
• Rural/Shiggy: Look for flour in clearings, tree marks, or flagged tape
• Night: Reflective tape or chalk that glows under blacklight

Pro Tips

1. Yell “On-One!” when you find the first mark after a check
2. Yell “On-Two!” for the second mark, and so on
3. Call “Are You?” if you’re unsure - others will respond “On-On!” or “Checking!”
4. Stay back 10 meters at checks - give the FRB room to work

Remember: “If you ain’t on trail, you’re on your own!”