Trail Names and Naming Customs
Overview
Trail names and naming customs are a playful but significant part of long-distance hiking culture on some routes. These informal aliases can affect identity, connection, and privacy over the course of a journey.
Key points
- Trail names are often chosen by the hiker or bestowed informally by peers.
- Names may reflect personality, memorable incidents, or inside jokes.
- Some hikers prefer to use their given names or remain unnamed, which are often respected.
- Avoiding names that are derogatory or insensitive contributes to an inclusive culture.
- Trail names can provide a partial layer of privacy when sharing stories or online content.
- Multiple people may independently share the same name, especially common ones.
- Names can change over time as hikers grow or wish to shed earlier associations.
- Using someone’s chosen name consistently is a basic form of respect.
Details
On certain long-distance trails, adopting a trail name is a common tradition. These names can be self-selected or emerge from shared experiences, humor, or notable traits observed by others. For some hikers, a trail name marks a temporary identity connected to the journey, separate from everyday roles and responsibilities. For others, the custom may hold little appeal, and they may choose to use only their given name. Both approaches are valid components of trail culture.
Naming choices have implications for community dynamics. Names that rely on stereotypes, slurs, or jokes at the expense of marginalized groups can create discomfort and exclude others. Many hikers therefore prefer names that are light-hearted, descriptive, or personally meaningful without being harmful. When interacting online or in public accounts, using trail names instead of full legal names can provide a degree of privacy. As with pronouns or other identifiers, listening to how someone introduces themselves and following their preference reinforces mutual respect.
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.