Thru-hiking

Thru-hiking is walking a long-distance trail end to end within a single season. The term is most associated with the Appalachian Trail, where it came into use in the 1970s.

Thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail face snow timing constraints at both ends of the season. Shorter thru-hikes include the Long Trail, the John Muir Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the Arizona Trail.

Resupply strategy centres on trail towns. Completing all three long trails earns the Triple Crown of Hiking.