How Many - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1 
									Any one know just how many thru hikers really started this year so far. 

									_forrest_
#2 
									That's a hard question to answer because many hikers who leave Springer have no intention of staying on the trail for more than a month or two. If you ask them if they are "thru-hikeing" they will say they are but when you talk to them more you find they are just on spring break, taking a break between jobs or have some other reason why they are not thru-hiking and can't committ to a 5-6 month hike.

									_Grampie_
#3 
									Forrest, Ive been wondering the same ?.I called Amicalola State park,talked to a friendly fellow named RON,He said that so far this year that 861 have left the park on the approach trail,and about the same will start out at FR42.Its about .9 from Springer Mt,so that makes about 1720 so far.I think about 21 are to start this week,but you know only about 10% ever make it.I hope to be 1 of the 10 next year............May GOD Bless:) 

									_Bubblegum_