Milepost 86

This is the first sign anything is wrong.  The milepost is buried about two to three feet deeper than it normally is and is on the "wrong" side of the canal.  The sides have been spray painted day glow pink to make it more visible.

What's wrong with this picture?  Note that there's only one trail worn into the grass whereas almost everywhere else on the towpath there's two trails, for traffic in both directions.  And the trail is somewhat faint.  What does this portend?