| What it is | A hiker's trail nickname |
| Comes from | A trait, mishap, or gear |
| Tradition of | Thru-hiking culture |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A trail name is a nickname a long-distance hiker adopts or is given on the trail, used in place of their real name within the hiking community. Trail names often arise from a memorable trait, mishap, or piece of gear, and are a cherished tradition of thru-hiking culture on trails like the Appalachian Trail.
How you get one
Usually bestowed by fellow hikers early in a thru-hike — a name given by others is said to ‘stick’ best.
Trail culture
Trail names go hand in hand with trail magic and trail angels as defining parts of the long-distance hiking community.
Frequently asked questions
What is a trail name?
A trail name is the nickname a long-distance hiker uses on the trail instead of their real name. It becomes their identity within the hiking community for the duration of a thru-hike, and is a long-standing tradition on trails like the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
How do you get a trail name?
Most commonly, fellow hikers give you one based on a memorable trait, habit, mishap, or piece of gear early in your hike. Tradition holds that a trail name given by others 'sticks' better than one you pick yourself, though plenty of hikers do choose their own.
Can you choose your own trail name?
Yes, you can, and many hikers do — but trail culture especially values names bestowed by others, which often capture something funny or distinctive about you. Either way, the trail name is yours to keep and use across future hikes.
Sources
- Thru-hiking culture — American Hiking Society