NOBO vs. SOBO - which is better?

imported
#1

I had been planning a NOBO thru-hike for 05, but it looks as though it’s more likely to be a 3-month section of the PA-ME part of the trail, from June-August. This gives me the option of going SOBO.

What would folks recommend, and why? Should I avoid the crowds by heading south, or avoid the blackflies by heading north?

Bunchberry

#2

It is always wise to avoid Blackflies. I don’t think it will be crowded as you will be slightly ahead of the bulge in the snake.

Blue Jay

#3

i say read a few journals of both north and southbounders … then choose

that said, i say the new england states in spring n summer are breathtaking and by far the “better end” of the AT… you will have: big K , the wilderness,river fording, the whites,avery peaks, mahoosic notch, the long trail… stratton Mtn, killington, a monistery, a zoo , moose poo , etc etc…
black flies? not worth missing all of the above IMO

hikertrash

#4

I remember thinking as I was hiking that I was glad I was NOBO. More people to converse with and the seasons seemed to follow you better. Also, as was stated already, it was better to end on Katahdin then to walk up to a plaque in Ga.

Virginian

#5

Hiker trash gave good advice by suggesting that you read journals of both NOBO and SOBO.

In addition to that, the crowd factor is largely disbursed by the mid point. So, I wouldn’t let that be a factor. But, for many, the people are the best part of their experience. So, you want to be around others going your way for that. So, that would dictate going north. Another highlight for me was the excitement of Katahdin that builds all the way through Maine. If you hike to the Mason Dixon line, while still an accomplishment, you will not share a common goal with others around you like hiking north.

Peaks

#6

Bunchberry,
I have done it both ways. Leaving Maine In June the streams will be full of raging water from the Spring runoff and often treacherous to ford. In August, however, the streams in Maine will be low, and you can easily walk across them on stones.

margie

#7

I was sobo in 00 starting May 28th had no problems and the waters were low… while other years had raging waters to ford… all depends on the year and the hit n miss of day to day timing…

could hike north fro Pa finishing at Big K

FreightTrain