Thru-hike
Overview
A thru-hike is a continuous end-to-end hike of a long-distance trail within a single season or defined timeframe. It involves completing the entire official route in one sustained journey.
Key points
- Involves hiking an entire long-distance trail in one go.
- Usually completed within a calendar season, though definitions vary.
- Requires significant planning, conditioning, and logistics.
- Can be completed northbound, southbound, or via alternates.
- Represents a major physical and mental commitment.
- May include reroutes or alternates due to closures or hazards.
Details
Thru-hiking refers to completing a long-distance trail in its entirety during one extended trip. Popular trails include the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. Thru-hikes require logistical preparation such as resupply planning, gear selection, pacing strategies, and seasonal timing.
Definitions of a thru-hike vary across communities, with some hikers permitting alternates or skipped sections due to hazards, while others insist on continuous footsteps.
Thru-hikes test endurance, resilience, and adaptability across varied terrain, weather, and physical demands.
Related topics
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.