Staring April 1st - Where should I start?

imported
#1

I’m on the AT for two months, starting a section on April 1st. I only do about 10 miles daily, and I like to camp with other hikers in the evening. I’m thinking that I should get ahead of whatever bubble is out there and move along while the thru-hikers pass me by.
I’m also trying to avoid freezing. That gets me thinking … Perhaps i shot start in Damascus? … or possibly down in Hot Springs? Any ideas where I should start?
(I’ve done about 400 miles, but it has always been in New England during the summer. I’m quite concerned about getting too cold.)

Strummystick

#2

I started April 1st and it snowed the first day in Georgia then again 4 weeks later in the smokies. At that time of year you can never be sure. In both cases the next day was in the sixties. If you stay in the lower elevations you will have a better chance of staying warm.

Big B

#3

I always like to start at the beginning…then follow the Yellow Brick Road. I would start at the foot of the Approach Trail to Springer Mountain and head North with all the Thru Hikers. It’s great fun to interact with all the Thru’s during April when they start out. The weather should be warmer in Georgia than Virginia.

Francis

#4

I would definitely start in Damascus.

Johnny Osborne