Five Different Types of Hiking

Updated: Mar 17, 2023

If someone isn't a hiker, they may not realize there are so many different types of hiking. There can sometimes be animosity in the hiking community about what constitutes a "hike". I'm here to tell you - any type of walk in the woods is a hike! Just because you aren't bagging peaks or trekking for days, doesn't mean you can't enjoy hiking in other ways.

View at the top of the Alander Mountain hike in Mount Washington State Park located in Massachusetts., part of New England.

While there are many more categories of hiking, I am going to stick to just five. They are the ones you hear about most often, so lets go through them!

Day Hiking

This type of hiking involves shorter trails, typically taking place within a single day. These hikes don't necessarily have a specific destination or scenic viewpoint. Luckily New York and New England are full of beautiful trails everywhere you look. Generally, you just need a quick plan and the essentials, then you are ready to go. This type of hiking is perfect for people who hike on the weekend or don't have much time to hike otherwise. A quick hike can be done after work, or a longer hike can be planned on a day off.

Thru Hiking

Thru hiking refers to hiking a long-distance trail from end-to-end in a single trip, often taking several weeks or months. Thru hiking is a popular activity on trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. These types of hikes take extensive research and are considered extremely challenging, so a deep commitment of time and energy is necessary.

Summit Hiking

Summit hiking, otherwise known as peak bagging, is one of the most rewarding types of hikes. It involves surmounting the summit or peak of a mountain, an hike that will likely be as challenging as it is fulfilling. These hikes typically require more than the basic essentials depending on weather conditions, altitude, and terrain.

Section Hiking

Section hiking involves hiking a long trail in shorter, more manageable sections over time. For those who are unable to take extended time off for a thru-hike, this can be done in many ways. A section hiker might choose to do several weekend trips, tacking on a little more of a long trail each time. Other section hikers might plan to do half of a trail one year and the other half the next.

Backpacking

Backpacking is a type of hiking that involves carrying all of your supplies and equipment in a larger backpack, and involves overnight camping or staying in lean-tos along the trail. This type of hiking allows you to explore remote areas. Research is very necessary for this type of hiking, as it may require special permits depending on what trail it is.

A grid guide explaining the different types of hikes

Hiking is a popular outdoor activity, offering a variety of experiences for people of all abilities and interests. Whether you're interested in day hikes, thru-hikes, summit hikes, section hikes, or backpacking trips, there is a type of hiking perfect for you. Each type of hike offers its own unique challenges and rewards.

No matter which type of hike you choose, it's important to be prepared with the proper gear, training, and knowledge to safely and responsibly enjoy your hike. Each type of hiking offers its own great benefits and with careful planning and preparation, you will have an unforgettable adventure!

Which type of hiking are you planning to do next? Leave a comment below to let me know!