Flip Flop - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

I’m planning on taking the summer of 2005 to hike the AT. I tried it in 2000 and had to leave the trail at Fontana Dam. I hiked sections the rest of the summer but skipped large parts of the trail. I want to go back and do the whole trail in one year to fill in the gaps. My plan is to Start early April from Harper’s Ferry and Sobo to Springer then flip back to HF and Nobo to Katahdin. That way I’ll avoid the spring crowds, start on easier terrain,get to see all the Nobos, feeling of accomplishment twice(once at each end)and get to finish at Kahtadin the way it should end. What would you see as the draw backs to a schedule like this?

Big B

#2

No drawbacks. Good plan. Have fun! But I’m sure you’re gonna get 10 different answers. It’s your hike.

Wolf

#3

Best plan I’ve heard in a while

Tha Woolkie

#4

That sounds like a perfect Flip-flop.

C-Giddy

#5

Excellent plan; sounds like you have thought it all out. You asked for drawbacks; here are a couple things to consider (not drawbacks; just my personal preferences).

  1. The best time to start a NOBO thru (weatherwise) is early April (your start date). This allows you to miss most of the coldest weather, follow spring as you hike northward, and finish at K in the fall.

  2. Personally, I prefer the idea of starting at one terminus and hiking toward the other. YMMV.

max patch

#6

Thanks guys for the feedback and encouragement. See you up the trail.

Big B