My two cents.
The signage and maintenance of trails is so dependent upon local funding and trail user groups that there is a huge variance in trails across the country.
Back in
OH most parks don't have the resources to maintain and provide trail signage so there's a huge number of "wildcat trails".
In
WA I've found that user groups are much more involved and so trails are better maintained. Thus many fewer spider trails running in every direction.
Ultimately, at the end of the day, as long as we return safely to the barn it's a great trail!
Cheers