X-country route (cross-country)
Overview
An X-country route, or cross-country route, is a line of travel that leaves established trails and follows terrain features, map lines, or informal paths instead of maintained tread.
Key points
- Refers to travel that is off established, maintained trails for all or part of a segment.
- Often follows terrain features such as ridges, drainages, or open slopes instead of signed junctions.
- Typically requires stronger navigation skills and comfort with slower, less predictable travel.
- May involve brush, loose surfaces, or uneven footing that differ from constructed trail tread.
- Suitability depends on local regulations, conditions, and a hiker’s experience and comfort level.
Details
The term X-country route (cross-country route) is used for travel that does not remain on maintained, constructed trails. Instead of following blazes or signs, hikers navigate by reading the landscape, interpreting maps, and sometimes following faint user paths or natural corridors.
Cross-country segments can vary widely in character. In some regions, they may follow open alpine slopes or broad, grassy basins with clear sightlines. In others, they may involve brushy hillsides, talus, or mixed forest where visibility and footing are more complicated. Travel is usually slower than on built tread, and progress can be more variable from day to day.
Because X-country routes do not rely on consistent waymarking, they generally assume that hikers are comfortable with map interpretation, simple compass use, and basic route-finding judgment. They may also require a more conservative approach to weather, snow, and daylight, since turning around or re-routing can take additional time.
Not all areas allow or encourage cross-country travel, and regulations differ between land managers. Some fragile environments, restoration zones, or private lands may restrict off-trail movement. Hikers considering X-country routes typically review local guidance, assess their own experience, and decide whether the terrain and conditions align with their comfort and skill levels.
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.