This photo was recently posted on a FB page for people who volunteer in the White Mountain National Forest (mostly as stewards at trailheads who try to stop unprepared hikers from venturing out on hikes with flip flops, no maps, etc.). It appears to show a sign defaced to change the established trail name to an AT symbol, reflecting a long running issue among some thru hikers for using traditional trail names. Apparently such defacing is an ongoing issue on the Ethan Pond Trail and a few other locations.

Take a look at the comments in this FB post if you want to get a sense of how some locals that are very involved with the trails and hiking in the Whites perceive the thru hiker community. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...&theater&ifg=1