I’m doing my first AT thru hike this summer (09). I am planning on doing it Sobo. I was wondering if ya’ll could give me some opinions and tips on that direction. Such as start time, weather conditions, etc.
Cheers, Buddha Belly
Buddha Belly
Sobo vs Nobo - Appalachian Trail
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#2
We need more information to really answer this question like what kind of mileage are you planning to do a day? When do you hope to be done? Would you like to be done by thanksgiving or charismas? If I were going to be doing a south bound hike I would start the first week of august. Weather can be cold I would take summer gear, but I would carry a 20 degree bag from the start. Make sure you have some warm clothes because it can get cold. sobo you meet less people and there is less of a trail community. some hostels will be closed.
youngndum
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#3
Sobo is a great way to go. Most leave in June and July. Although June also means black flies in Maine. The community is smaller but tighter. Another plus is less compitition for shelter space and campsites. And their is no deadline on a sobo. Their are sobos still on the trail now last I heard. Nobos need to be finish in October because although the trail up Katahdin may still open after October 15th. Baxter State Park closes to overnight camping on that date. As youngndum said some hostels do close later in the season but most services along the trail are still open. Read Booboo, Smiles and Five leaf clover’s journals on this site, good info. Best of luck.
Mikey
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#4
I just wanted to mention that sobo is much harder physically, logistically and consequently mentally and than a nobo. If you are new to hiking long distances (you might carry more gear than necessary in the beginning) and are not in great shape a traditional nobo might give you a better opportunity for success. It is also much cheaper in the south than the North for trail services. These services are also closer together in the south. But if your schedule or will dictates a sobo than go for it because a sobo is always better than a nogo.
stealthblew
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#6
Southbound starts out in cool nice weather and misses most of the really hot weather in the summer months. Taking it slow through the 100 mile wilderness gives you a better chance of success because your less prone to injury. Lets your hiking legs start to build. I would start in Mid to early June if your miliage is going to be slow because it can get really coooold in the Smokey Mountains and around Roan Mtn. in Tenn. and snow. There are long periods when your hiking solo but Im sure its the same for nobos too. Bring lots of Deet in the beginning…or youll get eaten alive;) A few services down south close but there are plenty open to take care of the Southbounders. The best thing about it is when you get to Springer you can call yourself a “badass Sobo”…cheers and good luck :cheers
Bearwalker
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#7
Thanks ya’ll, athough this is my first distance hike officially. I am an avid hiker and am physically fit (modesty included). Due to to sched I am planning on starting mid june - early july. They bugs aren’t worrying me to much. Last two springs I was hiking in UP of mich (crazy mosquitos!). I was planning on packing a 40 degree bag with a liner. As for less traffic, that’s kinda what i’m counting on. Thanks for the tip on 100 mile wilderness, bearwalker. I hope to be done by thanksgiving time, I haven’t plotted what pace that would dictate. Thanks for the journal tips mikey. Thanks to you all.
Buddha Belly
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#8
The solution is simple do a GAMEGA Yo-Yo and experience both nobo and sobo. That’s my plan anyway…
FireBall