Alternate terminus
Overview
An alternate terminus is a start or end point for a long-distance hike that differs from the route’s most widely recognized official terminus, but is accepted within the hiking community for variations or specific itineraries.
Key points
- May be used for seasonal access reasons, personal logistics, or route design preferences.
- Can remain connected to the main trail corridor through side trails or alternate segments.
- Does not change the official extent of a designated trail but provides hikers with additional options.
Details
Some long-distance trail systems allow or informally recognize alternate termini where hikers may begin or end their journeys. These alternate endpoints can be chosen based on transportation access, seasonal closures, or individual route plans. For example, a hiker might start at an alternate point to avoid early-season snow or to connect from another network of paths. The term describes a variation in start or end location; it does not redefine the officially designated termini of the trail. Hikers choosing alternate termini typically document their route choices for personal tracking and clarity.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.