I’m considering starting at Springer in March and getting to Wash DC by about May 10th. I’m aware that I will be traveling at prime time and wonder about joining the crowds I read about. Some company is good but too many may be bad. I much prefer cool to hot and imagine good daily milage.
When would you start?
PR
I think a March start is too early. I also prefer no crowds and also hike “good daily mileage”. I want to hike after snow melts out and after the risk of snow storms so I always choose a May 1 target start date. However, I think I have had snowfall on all of my thrus. March has short days so you hike fewer hours, tending to spend more time in shelters or towns with the crowds. Every hike will have both hot days and cold stormy days. Even with a late April start we were never alone on the very busy AT.
Marcia
A couple of months ago I went to Bluff Mountain Outfitters in Hot Springs, NC and spoke to Wayne for a shakedown of my gear. He asked when I anticipated leaving. I told him the middle of March to which he winched. Seems like everyone now leaves the middle of March. A full month earlier than hikers did years ago.
He suggested to leave the first of April and on a week day. At least that way you’ll get the “first wave” of hikers out of the way. There will still be crowds so be prepared.
I’m now considering a head start (flip) from Harpers Ferry, WV in May. I like people just not so many of them.
Good luck!
icantsleep
We prefered the way early start of Feb 18th. Giving the shelters a full winter to rest before the mob muddies them up. Snow yes, cold yes, hard core wanna be thru hikers, yes. The small groups made for easier services in towns. The gear choices need to be more precise for the early season. But now crowds for sure. High mileage could be done with new lighter gear. We were held down with 80’s heavy garb; 40# packs back in '01.
Bushwhack
This is a great forum. Lots of opinions.
I assume an early March start is necessary to get to DC or Harpers Ferry by about May 5th. Here’s is a dumb question. How many weeks should a fit 52 year old who prefers to go, allow for that distance? That’s what will determine my start date, more than predicting crowds or snow. What are people’s miles per day for that stretch?
PR
PR
I would say if you average 15m per day to Harper’s Ferry you’ll be doing above average. I’m sure at 52 you have good discipline and drive. You will need it to stay out and not 0 much. I plan on starting mid March also. I might see you out there.
wanderlust
On my thru, 15 mpd was a good gauge (or 100 miles per week which allows for a little time in town to resupply). Most days will likely entail a few miles more, but extended town visits and the occasional low-mileage day will bring the average back down. Good luck.
Matt
Pr
Start when you want to start. If you are a cool weather person in lieu of a hot weather person, you will need to be out there early. I started 3/1 this year and had no problems from the weather as I like it cold. In early June I was in PA when the heatwave hit. Several days it was from 95 to 100 with a high humidity. Planning water was a constant issue, not to mention the heat just drains you.
As for the crowds, there aren’t any, until it’s raining and you are wanting to stay in a shelter for the night, just like everyone else. You better arrive early if you want a spot. While you’re hiking the crowd thins out quickly. I hiked a lot of days in March where I only saw two or three people during the day. Remember…hike your own hike. Good luck!!!
Kanati
started Mar 1 08 and was perfect. Beat the big April crowds. Chilly. But great hiking weather. Beats the hot humid days of summer and the bugs. I highly suggest getting out for a few multiday practice hikes and push hard so you get a better feel for what you CAN do and what you might WANT to do. It def. helped me get in shape and lighten my load to just the warm stuff I needed.
Good Luck!
FedEx