I have a question about doing a southbound trip. I looking into options on either a southbound or a northbound A.T. trip. On a southbound trip, is it harder to find hostels and hiker friendly areas open towards the fall and winter on the trail? That is probably my biggest concern. Also, does anyone know approximately how many people do southbound trips each year?
Thanks a lot guys.
Lil Rebel
Lil Rebel
Hey L’Reb. I don’t think you’d have trouble going south. We hiked with a friend going south in '01 and he said it was fine. Even after the snow flies folks are still out to serve you. Some of the seasonal ones might be closed like Blueberry Patch but forthe most part they’re all open. Shuttles might be a few less. I tink only about seventy five maybe go south. That’s why it also helps to have a journal here since a lot of the our friends follow and suprise us with magic. Miss Janet is watching for sure.
Bushwhack
I sobo’ed in '02 and had few problems with the exception of numerous days alone… but then, had some days where nobos and sectioners came together at one time- like the FullGoose Shelter! (over 40 hikers sleeping all over the place) What a trip! www.hikeforkids.com
Spanky
Saw it. We left in early Feb '01 to avoid the pack and ran through Va. to get away from it as we like having shelters to ourselves. All the way we heard about this wolf pack right behind us. When we got to NH we camped with a sobo that asked the nobos to “spread out a little”. We were still in the first twenties of people headed north. When we had made HotSprings we heard the over three-hundred had started and heard rumors of thirty or more at shelters and they were all hiking together. Ish. Sorry sobos. And that’s why we have tents kids.:>)
Bushwhack
Looking at records kept by ATC, over the past 10 years, between 17 and 64 southbound thru-hikers every year, and between 154 and 423 northbound thru-hikers every year. So, it’s about 15%.
Hostels that are seasonal are mentioned in the ALDHA Companion and Wingfoot as such. But, both north bound or south bound, there are other things that are seasonal, such as the Huts in the White Mountains, stores in state parks, etc. So, no matter where you are, there are going to be certain places that cater to tourists that are closed before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
Peaks
Hiked south in '01. My only regret was not seeing the rhodedendron in bloom. We hiked with a good number of SOBOS throughout. There were 8 of us at Big Bald Shelter. I think 21 all got together to finish on one day! We hiked alone alot as well. I never felt over crowded. We did not have a problem with seasonality either. All of the hostels were open if my memory serves me right. If you ar elooking for a more solitary hike, I recommend going downhill.
Grimace
What do you all think is the biggest disadvantage for hiking on a southbound trip?
Lil Rebel
Do you know how many people have “summited” and haven’t seen a damn thing cuz of weather? Katahdin is no mecca.
Lone Wolf
Hi,
I’m planning on hiking southbound starting in early July of this year and ending about 6 months later in December. Do you think this is a realistic schedule taking into account the weather and what not. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and I’d be overjoyed at a response.
Again thanks for your time and maybe I’ll see you on the trail,
~Seth
Seth
This is the same message as above but with a more acurate title…thanks for bearing with me.
Hi,
I got your e-mail from www.trailjournals.com it had you down as having thru hiked the AT. I’m planning on hiking southbound starting in early July of this year and ending about 6 months later in December. Do you think this is a realistic schedule taking into account the weather and what not. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and I’d be overjoyed at a response.
Again thanks for your time and maybe I’ll see you on the trail,
~Seth
Seth
Hi Seth! Hi everyone!
I read your entries and am also planning for an early July thru-hike. To be honest, I haven’t started the “concrete” planning part. Lots of reading, and getting my feet wet (already) with the AT culture. Do you think 3 months to get ready may be to short of a call? I’d hate to have to wait one more year, yet I want to leave with the best chances for success on my side.
Good luck to you all and perhaps I’ll see you on the trail…
S.
Sophie
I SOBO’d on 2000. Left July 1 and finshed Jan 11. I took forever getting through Maine though, MANY zero days! Most of the folks that started around the same time finished in the middle of December no problem. The next time I’d go SOBO but start around June 20, be in better shape to begin with, and be done by Thanksgiving.
As mentioned before, the seasonal hostels are listed in the Companion. Also everything in the Shenendoahs are shutting down after Labor Day if my feeble memory serves me correctly.
Johnny Swank