Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking: How to Hike Long-Distance Trails

So, you’re thinking about taking on a long-distance trail like the Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), or Continental Divide Trail (CDT), but you’re not sure how to do it? Well, you’ve got two options to choose from: thru-hiking or section hiking, and each comes with its own unique set of benefits and challenges.

I’ll give you a quick down and dirty of both options and share my experience so you can figure out which one’s right for your adventure.

Contents

• Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking: Which is the Best Way to Hike Long-Distance Trails?

• What’s the Difference Between Thru-Hiking and Section Hiking?

• What to Consider When Choosing Between Thru-Hiking and Section Hiking

• The Pros and Cons of Thru-Hiking

• The Pros and Cons of Section Hiking

• What Gear Do You Need for Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking?

• Which is Right for You: Thru-Hiking or Section Hiking?

• Popular Long-Distance Trails for Thru-Hiking and Section Hiking

• Final Thoughts on Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking

Me in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness after 1500+ miles of backpacking the PCT during the summer of 2017.

What’s the Difference Between Thru-Hiking and Section Hiking?

Thru-hiking is when you take on an entire trail in one big push—technically within a year. You start at one end and keep going until you reach the other.  It’s all about experiencing the trail in one go. Whether it’s a shorter trail like the 200-mile John Muir Trail or the massive 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail, if you’re doing it all in one shot, it’s a thru-hike.

On the flip side, section hiking breaks the trail into smaller parts you complete over time—maybe a few months or even years. If you’re hiking a chunk of the PCT this year and planning to tackle another section next year, you’re section hiking. It’s all about fitting the trail into your schedule and taking it one piece at a time.

What to Consider When Choosing Between Thru-Hiking and Section Hiking

If you’re trying to decide which long-distance approach is right for you, consider the following:

• Available Time: Can you leave your regular life for up to 6 months for a thru-hike, or would breaking it into smaller trips work better for you?

• Budget: Thru-hikes need an upfront investment for gear, food, permits, and time off work, while section hiking lets you spread out those costs over time.

• Physical Readiness: Thru-hiking is a long-term commitment, both physically and mentally from the beginning, while section hiking allows for breaks and recovery between trips.

• Daily Mileage: Due to seasonal changes, thru-hikers are often in a battle against time, meaning they are required to hike all day, every day (15-25 miles). Section Hikers are less crunched for time and can generally hike fewer miles each day.

• Trail Experience: Do you want the deep, immersive experience of living on the trail for months? Or would you rather tackle it in smaller pieces, exploring at your own pace?

• Personal Goals: If finishing a long trail in one season is your dream, thru-hiking is the answer. If flexibility is more your style, section hiking might be your best bet.

One of my favorite shots from the PCT.

Pros and Cons of Thru-Hiking

Pros:

• An Immersive Adventure: You get the full experience—every little up and down challenge the trail offers is yours to experience. It’s a chance to grow, connect with nature, and fully immerse yourself in the wilderness.

• Trail Culture: Meet other hikers, connect with trail angels, and become part of a tight-knit community that you only find on a long-distance hike.

Cons:

• Time Commitment: Thru-hiking takes months, meaning you’ll need to put your regular life on hold—work, family, and all that. It’s not always doable.

• Rigid Schedule: You’re on a mission to finish in one season, so there’s less flexibility to take your time or adapt as much.

• Cost: Life may be simple, but it’s not cheap. Many thru-hikers make it more than half way and have to bow out simply because money ran out. If your flush with cash, then no problem there, but if things are tight, they’re going to get tighter.

The Pros and Cons of Section Hiking

Pros:

• Flexibility: You get to decide when and where you hike. It could be a weekend, a week, or a month at a time—whatever fits your schedule.

• Variety and Choice: Pick your favorite sections based on the best season, weather, or what interests you most.

• Manageable Commitment: You don’t need to pause your life for months; you can chip away at the trail in manageable segments.

Cons:

• Less Immersive: With section hiking, you might not get that full, deep connection to the trail since you’re out there for shorter periods. Each time you return, there’s a bit of an adjustment phase to get back into the groove.

What Gear Do You Need for Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking?

Gear required for both thru-hiking and section hiking are basically the same, but it could vary based on your approach. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Thru-Hiking Gear: You’ll need reliable, lightweight gear for the duration of your hike. The lighter your pack, the better your life will be because thru-hiking is all about covering big miles under a heavy pack…suck. The goal here is to be very intentional about what you put in your pack because it could be the difference between knocking out a few more miles and having a Nero Day (minimal miles to town for rest) or having to camp early.

• Section Hiking Gear: Basically the same gear, but you have a bit more flexibility with what you’re bringing. Since you’re not out for months, you can pack based on the conditions and even bring some comfort items. It’s all about finding the balance between comfort and weight for each trip. And, since you’re not hell-bent on covering big miles, you can probably pack a few more comfort items.

Which is Right for You: Thru-Hiking or Section Hiking?

So, which style fits you the best? It really depends on your life situation and what you want from the experience.

If you have the time and resources, a thru-hike is an epic, immersive adventure that I would never NOT recommend to someone. But if that’s not an option right now, section hiking is a great way to experience the trail on your own terms without the big time commitment. Either way, you’re hiking the same miles, just at your own pace.

Here’s my personal advice…

Don’t put off hiking a long trail in sections just because your life doesn’t allow you to thru-hike it.  I’d much rather see you out there chunking it down bit by bit than staying at home dreaming of some section of the trail you may or may not ever see because section hiking isn’t as sexy.  

Believe it or not, while thru-hiking is indeed a very romantic idea, it’s becoming less and less popular because of the financial strain it has on regular life.  As a result, section hiking is gaining popularity because people realize it’s a far more accessible way to take on long-distance trails. Some even prefer it for the flexibility and the opportunity to explore different trails over time rather than sticking to just one.

Having hiked the PCT myself, I can tell you that being on trail for months on end is absolutely incredible, but now that I have a family, it’s just not an option for me anymore.  Given my life circumstances today, I would 100% be willing to tackle a trail like the CDT in small chunks over time because it makes the most sense at the moment.  Sure, I’d be missing out on a little bit of that trail family culture, but I wouldn’t be missing out on the views or enjoying my time on trail.

You know what option works best for you, so don’t overthink it. Put that energy toward planning and just make it happen!

Popular Trails for Thru-Hiking and Section Hiking

If you’re looking for some long-distance hikes get after, here are some popular trails (all over 200 miles) that are perfect for both thru-hiking and section hiking:

• Appalachian Trail (AT): This classic trail runs from Georgia to Maine through the Appalachian Mountains and is accessible for both thru-hikers and section hikers.

• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT): Spanning 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada, the PCT includes deserts, the Sierra Mountains, and the Cascade Mountains.

• Continental Divide Trail (CDT): Over 3,000 miles of rugged beauty from Mexico to Canada, offering on- and off-trail sections.  This trail has no single track, but many alternate routes to take as you hike so mileage may vary.

• John Muir Trail (JMT): A 200-mile gem in California’s Sierra Nevada, often paired with the PCT.

• Arizona Trail: 825 miles showcasing the stunning desert landscape of Arizona.  

• Buckeye Trail: A 1,444-mile loop around Ohio with a variety of landscapes.

• Colorado Trail: A 483-mile journey through the Rockies with epic alpine views.

• Ice Age Trail: This 1,200-mile trail follows glacial landmarks across Wisconsin.

• Long Trail (Vermont): At 272 miles, it’s the oldest long-distance trail in the U.S.

• Florida Trail: Spanning 1,000 miles, this trail showcases Florida’s swamps, forests, and beaches.

Final Thoughts on Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you hike—what matters is that you’re out there experiencing the trail. If a thru-hike is your dream, go for it. If section hiking fits better into your life, start planning those sections today.

However you choose to do it, just make sure you make every mile count.  Take the good with the bad and soak it up!

What Do You Think?

Are you planning a thru-hike or a section hike? If so, let me know in the comments! And if you need some help deciding or a little encouragement to get you over the hump, just shoot me a message.

Emory, By Land

Thanks for stopping by the website. If you have any questions for me or want to connect, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.

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