Why do Appalachian Trail hikers use 'trail names'?

Most hikers acquire nicknames, or trail names, when they are out hiking. Sometimes the name comes from an event that ... Slumber Cat–hikers and their trail names! It all started on the Appalachian Trail–so many people were hiking that it was easier to keep people straight if they were called by a nickname specific to them. read more

Some names are just so common, they just won't do. I know a guy with a trail name of "Six" because he was the sixth guy named John hiking a certain part of the trail at a certain time.* Imagine trying to tell six Johns apart when discussing them! At this point, it's a tradition, and an "in-group" signal. read more

Eventually, I learned to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between hikers and drivers on the trail. After all, at the end of a long, rainy walk to a road, there were people with magical machines who were willing to transport me to hot food for the price of a good story. 9. “Thru-hiker” can mean different things in different places. read more

"The Wild Turkey " Bill Harrison section hiker, As outlined in Roland Muesser’s book, Hiking the Appalachian Trail, the “best” Trail names are earned, not simply chosen..also, most have at least some element of double meaning.. read more