Trail Name - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

I like my trail name from this year’s attempted thru-hike ok but I’m starting a new thru-hike attempt in January and would prefer to have a new trail name. Is this normal or do most people just use the same trail name?

Cocoon

#2

i have to say it is totally up to you. i know that alot of the “hiker comunity” usually goes with the tradition of having another person name you with a given trail name, but what it really comes down to in my mind is the simple and very much used phrase, “hike your own hike”.

what i mean is that if you want another name just go out on the trail and get named again, or if you have a stupendous name in mind already, just name yourself.  it doesnt really matter.  just be happy.  there are no written name rules for long distance hiking that we all must abide by. if there were then i would try to stay as far away as possible.  hiking is a freedom of sorts, not another activity that needs to be controled by the big blue meanies.
     your arent hiking to make OTHER people happy are you?? probably not, so do what YOU want with YOUR trail name, dont let others dictate how or when you get a trail name.   just go hike and enjoy your journey.  the name is only a trivial matter in the whole thing.  just for fun.

 I hope that your hike this year turns out the be absolutely wonderful for you!!  have a great time. and be sure to remember as much as humanly possible so you can look back and remember the good times when you are like 80 or 90.

cheerio! :slight_smile:
orion.

orion

#3

Occasionally people change their trial name - I’ve changed mine because the first was too impromptu and I thought a bit silly; the new one represents more how I want to characterize myself to the trail community. But, it is your name and your call . . .

I followed your journal last year, and am looking forward to following your new endeavor. Hope it is fully enjoyable and fulfilling!

Dioko

#4

article 42 of the atc’s charter with the thru hiking community, revised at 2000’s aldha gathering clearly states that a name change is only possible with a writen approval from the estate of earl schaffer. to attain this approval you must state your grievences with your current moniker and give a few good suggestions for a new trail name. refrain from names like steady gait or biped or any other that lacks imagination. all involved would consider it a waste of thier time and may even force you to use your civilian name only henceforth. also include a copy of your birth certificate, a copy of a register that you signed (DO NOT try to forge one), and a photograph of yourself on the trail so that they can judge weather the name fits you. it is an arduous process, but it was worth it for me. i couldnt live with name crapdraws anymore.

best of luck.

milo

#5

One of the things I think is neat about the hiking community is the sense of individuality that comes from literally “taking the path less travelled”…(OK, so lots of folks travel it,but you know what I mean!) Respectfully stated, I was a bit surprised to see this inquiry: a kind of “is this OK to do”. You are (my assumption here) an adult; so pick whatever trail name you’d like. Change it now or two wks into your hike; change it 10x over…it’s your hike. However,I do understand a name fitting for you at one point of your life, but not another. So change away!..just don’t ask permission about something that is no one else’s but yours to call!!! That’s an important thing to know on & off the trail.

Neela

#6

hello just wanted to say merry christmas! i showed my mom the picture of you with the beard from last years hike. It’s really freakin’ me out man i realized in that photo you look just like my 1st step dad. anyway keep in touch tell Glenda Merry christmas as well Happy Hikin’ and yeah change the name.

buzzsaw

#7

Hey guys, just remember that your trail name will be what friends know you by on the trail and in the trail community. If you change it in the middle of a hike we will lose you. Sometimes names are exactly right for a person and sometimes they are just too … cute, romantic, hopeful, obscene?? You can tell almost always when someone has chosen thier own name… But it will be your name for a long time so be happy with it or change it right away. The secret to NOT taking a trail name you don’t like is simple… DO NOT ANSWER TO IT!!

Miss Janet