Side trail
Overview
A side trail is any trail that branches off the main route, leading to alternate destinations such as viewpoints, lakes, trailheads, or towns.
Key points
- Connects the main trail to secondary points of interest or access.
- May be used for resupply, camping, or scenic detours.
- Sometimes signed; in other cases, markings can be minimal.
- Plays a role in self-evacuation and contingency planning.
- Can vary widely in maintenance and difficulty.
Details
Side trails extend the functional reach of a main route by linking it to nearby towns, trailheads, water sources, or scenic features. They may be short connectors or longer paths in their own right. On maps and signage, side trails are often labeled with their own names or numbers, giving hikers additional route options.
Hikers use side trails for a variety of purposes: exiting to a road for resupply, visiting a lake or viewpoint, accessing alternate campsites, or bypassing problematic sections under certain conditions. In emergency or self-evacuation planning, side trails can provide crucial egress routes.
Maintenance and markings on side trails can differ from those on mainline long-distance routes. Some are well maintained and clearly signed, while others may see less frequent use and require more careful navigation.
Understanding where significant side trails intersect a route can help hikers prepare for both planned side trips and unanticipated adjustments.
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.