I was confused when I saw the title. I always considered a thru-hike, a hike where the beginning and end points do not coincide and in contrast a loop hike is where you end at the same point you started at.

I never gave it much thought as to how far you have to go. I guess if I ever actually did a "real" thru-hike I wouldn't want my experience watered down by someone claiming to be a "thru-hiker" when he got a lift home from the gas station because he happened to meet a buddy their while out on a walk.

What should people call a short hike where you get picked up on the other side of the trail?