Thru-Hiking vs. Section Hiking

Thru-hiking versus section hiking: which is the best way to experience a long trail? Both styles of travel offer great perks… and a few down-sides.

You’ll gain a beautiful, up-close perspective of all the gradual changes coming over the land as seasons shift and change.
Your body will progressively grow stronger until it is a lean, mean hiking machine. The pain of your early hiking days will fade into a distant memory… hopefully.
You’ll become part of a close-knit trail community.
Successful completion of the trail is a good bit sweeter. There is something powerful about knowing you have invested 100% mental energy and 100% physical energy and have not quit until you accomplished the goal.

CONS OF THRU-HIKING

The pre-hike planning phase requires hours of detailed planning as you schedule resupply stops and choose gear that is lightweight yet sturdy enough for extended use.
If you become injured and need to go off-trail to recover, the probability of your completing the trail is greatly impacted. There is also a great sense of loss as your hours of planning are negated and you become separated from your trail community.
The longer the trail, the more thru-hiking will take a toll on your body.

PROS OF SECTION HIKING

Less planning is required.
You’ll get to experience the trail in every season.
You’ll have more flexibility to schedule summit days during clear weather.
If you become injured, it will have little impact on whether you finish the trail or not—you’ll have plenty of time to rest before setting out on the next section.

CONS OF SECTION HIKING

Your body has to regain it’s rhythm each time you hike—you’ll never hit that true ‘hiker stride’ or feel the true ‘hiker hunger’.

You’ll make friends, but won’t get the chance to be part of a long-term ‘trail family’.