| What it is | A rest day, zero trail miles |
| Spent | In town: rest, resupply, eat |
| Nero | A near-zero, very low-mileage day |
| Difficulty | Beginner concept |
A zero day, or ‘zero’, is a rest day on a long-distance hike when you cover zero trail miles — usually spent in a trail town resting, resupplying, eating, and recovering. A ‘nero’ (near-zero) is a very low-mileage day. Zeros are essential for recovery and morale on a thru-hike.
Why they matter
Months of daily miles wear the body down; zeros prevent overuse injuries and restore morale on a thru-hike. A nero blends rest with a little progress.
Frequently asked questions
What is a zero day?
A zero day is a day on a long-distance hike where you hike zero trail miles, taking a full rest — typically in a trail town to recover, do laundry, resupply food, eat heartily, and let your body heal before continuing.
What is a nero?
A 'nero' is a near-zero day: a day with only a few trail miles, often when you hike a short distance into or out of town. Neros give much of a zero's rest while still making a little progress.
How often do thru-hikers take zeros?
It varies, but many thru-hikers take a zero roughly every one to two weeks, more when injured, worn down, or waiting out bad weather. Zeros are vital for avoiding overuse injuries and keeping morale up over months on the trail.
Sources
- Long-distance hiking — American Hiking Society