Solo from GA to MD

imported
#1

Any opinion, or first hand experience for hiking solo for about 1000 miles on the AT? Im starting the first week of May and will finish around Harper’s Ferry around the second or third week of June. Ill be unsupported, and solo during the entirety of this trip. I did the LT with my brother last summer and now only have enough time to do 1/2 of the AT solo. What Im most worried about is the ‘stir-craziness’ people tend to think happens when being alone for too long. Any and all input would be nice!

Aphex

#2

you wont be alone on the AT, there will be plenty of company at the shelters at the end of the day.

good luck.

backtrack

#3

I thru-hiked last year starting May 1st. I got to Harper’s Ferry on June 15th. The only time that i was somewhat alone was the first stretch in Georgia Like backtrack said though, there were always people in the shelters at night. Once I made it to Fontana, i started seeing a lot of people every day on the trail. The smokies are always busy, and at the pace you are going to be going, you’ll catch up to the big April start crowds.

have fun!

lakewood

#4

You’ll find all the company you need at shelters, and all the solitude you might want camping in between! Absolutely, no need to worry about going stir crazy on the AT. In 2002, I only had one shelter to myself all the way from Georgia to Maine.

Matt

#5

Just to reiterate what’s been said above, you will soon catch up to the back of the pack, esp with Trail Days thrown in there and mixing things up in May. I started 4/18 in 02 and walked into HF 7/19, so as you can see you would easily lapped me and then some. Don’t worry about it, and have a great hike! Pretty quick pace no?

Bluebearee

#6

I am starting on May 1st and am also going north to Harpers Ferry this year. You sound like you are going to walk a little faster than me so please wave and say hi. I am sure we will have all the company we need or want out there. See ya on the trail.

Rewind

#7

the first 1,000 miles in seven weeks means you will miss alot of quality forest time…just flow like the little streams you will follow, alittle eddy here, tranquil pool there, rapids once in awhile,…the destination should come second…have a good…

fishngame