Top 10 Reasons to Section Hike

Feature image by Adam Walker

If you look at hiking trails like the Pacific Crest or Appalachian online you’ll likely see people referencing (and glamorizing) the thru-hike. Thru-hiking is completing the entirety of the trail in one year, usually in one continuous journey. However, the ability to dedicate 4 or more months in a row to hiking one of these trails is a luxury not available to many people. Enter the concept of section hiking.

Section hiking is generally regarded as a method of completing a long-distance trail in 2 or more sections. This differs from general backpacking on sections of a trail in that the intention is to eventually complete the whole trail, not just hike different pieces of it. The LASH is a subset of section hiking that stands for “Long-Ass Section Hike.” While this term means different things to different people, it is generally accepted that to be a LASH you should be out for more than a couple of weeks.

Section hiking can take 2 years or 20+. Oftentimes those completing a trail this way diminish their accomplishment in light of those that complete a trail in one go. However, I think the dedication and determination to dedicate your precious vacation time year after year to a singular task is even more impressive. Section hiking also has many advantages to traditional thru-hiking.

My top 10 reasons why you should consider a section hike:

1. You can fit section hiking into any lifestyle. No matter how much time you have or how many miles per day you like to hike, you can section hike.
2. Section hiking allows you maximum flexibility. You decide when and where you are hiking.
3. You can choose your weather window. Unlike thru-hikers who may hit regions at unseasonable times (like the snowy and cold Great Smoky Mountains in March for northbound Appalachian Trail hikers) you can choose the best time to visit for weather, wildflowers, or smoke.
4. You are not pressured by changing seasons to move at a certain speed (which impacts several other aspects below).
5. Section hikers can better match their section to seasonality (i.e. not having to start a trail in cold spring rain or race to finish before snow flies).
6. You do not have to push yourself as hard physically. The miles per day you hike are not influenced by beating impending winter.
7. There is more opportunity for exploring side trails and nearby points of interest. The urge to keep moving toward the opposite terminus is removed allowing time to more thoroughly explore the area the long trail passes through.
8. It is easier to include family and friends in the adventure. No one has to be in “trail shape” to hike with you.
9. Section hiking allows your resources to replenish in between hikes, rather than draining your bank account or your body fat stores.
10. Some permits and logistics are easier to arrange such as national park permits or other restricted areas.

Remember the maxim “HYOY” or “ Hike Your Own Hike.” No matter how you choose to experience a long trail, there are challenges and rewards. What matters most is getting out there! The rewards of spending time in nature are plentiful, and they compound the more time you spend. Section hiking is a great way to stretch out a journey and maximize your outdoor connection. Some sources would make you feel inferior to thru-hikers, but that is false. Enjoy your hike in whatever fashion works for you!

For a more detailed examination of trip planning, check out my book (co-authored with Katie Gerber) Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training, and Resiliency available from wordsfromthewild.net and anywhere books are sold. You can also take the online companion courses available from Katie Gerber’s website.