Someone mentioned starting at Harpers Ferry NOBO then going to Maine instead of Springer in May.
I find this would have many advantages including a much flatter start, less crowds, easier to get into hostels and the like.
Also much easier to access services if starting at Harpers Ferry as more towns and services are available.
Then flip flopping back in July where the SOBO traffic will be miminal.
Can anyone point out any disadvantages?
Xj9
Well, there u go again… The only drawback seems to be not meeting hardly any of the other thruhikers. The AT seems to be alot about comradery; also crowds; but even though I started in early May @ Springer; at 500 miles a month, got to do most of the trail between the slow herd & fasttrack pack. It turned out pretty ideal & i got to meet new hikers all the way up.
gingerbreadman
I think that starting in HF is a great idea. That’s what I did. You will be hiking with what’s left of those that started early at Springer. You should have good weather all the way to Katahdin. And then you can enjoy the late summer and fall doing the southern half.
The only drawback is the obvious: It will not be a continous hike from one end to the other. But who cares anyway. Other than that, some hostels and other places may be closed in the south when you get there. No big problem either.
Peaks
Have you considered starting at hf and hiking south first, then flip-floping north. I hiked the trail in “80” when there was way less people thru-hiking, but when i thru-hike the trail again, i’m thinking this option might be a good alternative to the large crowds of thru-hikers starting out at springer. This way you’ll do much of what you wrote about, meet practically all the thru-hikers for the season, and still get to hike up north when the weather and colors are better. Of course there are some disadvantages to this plan, but what the hell it’s your hike, do as you feel… happy trails either way.
rippin reils
In May, most thru-hikers are still in southern Virginia. The conjestion is long gone. Other than Trail Days, people should be spread out. I’d say that by May, the trail will be more crowed with section hikers and weekend hikers. And this will continue all summer long, no matter what section you may be hiking.
Peaks
My wife & I are planning our AT hike for when I retire in 4 years. But we (she) can’t be away from home for a 6-month stretch. So we’re planning on doing it in halves, HF to GA first summer, then HF to ME second summer. Guess that makes it a section hike instead of a thru. But it has some advantages… We won’t have to worry about starting or finishing in cold weather. We get to finish both sections with a final summit, and don’t have to climb a mountain before actually starting the hike. Going south first means we can collect the stone at Springer and deliver it to Katahdin as tradition demands. Disadvantages… We won’t have the hiker appetite in place for the half-gallon challenge. And it won’t be a thru-hike. But that’s Ok. Having a destination just provides the direction to walk. Our goal is to enjoy our time on the trail. But the only way to see it all is to walk it all. We want to enjoy it all.
JohnM
John,
Splitting up your AT hike into 2 years makes perfect sense. 6 months is a long time to be away from family and other obligations. Even 3 months has its hardships. I think you have a great plan for doing it in 2 big sections.
Peaks
John,
Don’t sweat the “thru hiker” tag. If you just get out there for a week, at least you’re out there. Enjoy it whatever you do.
tim