Four types of Trails

There are a few things to consider when selecting a trail to hike. For example, what is the ultimate goal? Is this hike strictly exercise, a chance to walk the dog or is there a specific destination, such as a natural arch or mountain summit to reach? Two other factor to consider is how much time do you have and how far do I want to walk. Finally and the point of this blog is to consider what type of trail will I hike?

Believe it or not there are different types of trails and for me the trail terminology at first was a bit confusing resulting in extra miles and frustration. With that in mind let’s take a brief look at 4 of the most common trail types and see if we can clear up any confusion.

Point to Point

Point to point trails are characterized as a trail that starts at one point and ends at a completely different point. The distance (mileage) indicates how far it is between these points and does not include any distance to return to its origin. The distance can vary but typically I find these type of trails as sections of larger trails system such as the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail or the North Country Trail, but there are always exceptions to the rule.

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Point to Point trails are used by long distance hikers to make plans and keep them on schedule. They use them to know how far the next water source may be, where the next campsite is or what towns are coming up to get supplies.

Out and Back Trail

An out and back trail is exactly as it sounds. These trails provides hikers the distance necessary to reach the destination and return to the trailhead.

This is helpful to estimate the amount of time spent on the trail and the distance needed to travel to your desired destination and return to the trailhead. The out and back trails may be the most commonly found trails.

I use out and back trails if I am getting a late start or in a time crunch (for example impending bad weather). The only downside to these hikes, is that you are forced to repeat your steps. Don’t let that discourage though you as I have found that the return hike can often provide a completely new perspective and hold some special views. A good of example of this was my hike to Flatiron in Lost Dutchman State Park out side of Phoenix, Arizona.

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On this hike the route to the summit was exact same route as my return to the trailhead but the views on my way down of the valley below were much different and constant.

Loop Trail

Loop Trails are my preferred trail type because they offer new trail with every step. As you can imagine these trails are “circular” in nature and usually reconnect someplace near the beginning of the trailhead. Distance is listed for the entire length of the loop.

One of my favorite loop trails is Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail in Mt. Rainer National Park. The trail was a total of 9.4 miles starting and ending at the Sunrise lodge. Virtually the entire loop was filled with views of Mt Rainier and provided multiple unique views of surrounding the mountain range.

Bushwhacking

Our final trail type is not even a trail. Instead it is a route that you completely create on your own. There is an art to bushwhacking and not recommended unless you have a map, compass or are very familiar with the area. Generally it is used if to reach a place on the map, such as alpine lake, peak or arch that can be seen on a map but there is no established trail. So you make your own.

Bushwhacking may look easy but it can be very strenuous as it will be necessary climb over blow downs, push through thick vegetation, cross streams and the elevation gains could be step. It is not for the faint of heart. The chances of becoming lost or disoriented is also a possibility so keep a good eye on your map and surroundings as being lost could ruin a perfectly good day in the wilderness.

Hopefully these brief trail definitions are helpful as you seek out a trial and explore the natural world. Try them all and see which is your favorite way enjoy the outdoors.

~Slow-LEE Hiking