Hitchhiking to Town
Overview
Hitchhiking to town refers to accepting rides from passing vehicles in order to reach resupply towns, trailheads, or accommodations. It is a longstanding practice on long-distance trails where public transportation is limited.
Key points
- Used when trailheads are distant from towns.
- Dependent on driver willingness and local norms.
- Requires situational awareness and personal judgment.
- May be restricted in certain jurisdictions.
- Common in communities accustomed to long-distance hikers.
Details
Many long-distance trails intersect highways or rural roads far from towns. Hitchhiking offers hikers a means of reaching stores, post offices, and lodging without walking lengthy road miles. Success varies by region, time of day, and traffic patterns.
Some areas discourage or prohibit hitchhiking due to safety or legal considerations, so hikers must evaluate regulations before attempting it. In commonly traveled regions, drivers familiar with thru-hiking culture may routinely offer rides.
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
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.