When to start a thru-hike...?

imported
#1

I want to start my thru-hike on July 10th of this year. Does anyone see any problems with this schedule, and has anyone actually done this. I’m planning on taking about 6 months to finish.

Thanks,
~sETH

Seth

#2

If you are northbound you will not have six months to finish. If you are not to Katahdin by mid to late oct you will most likely be snowed out. If you are southbound you are right on track with a June 10 departure.

Tribes

#3

Sorry,
I forgot to mention that this was a south bound hike…Regardless, thank you Tribes for replying.

~sETH

:smiley:

Seth

#4

The general advise for starting a southbound hike is not before July, because of crossing high cold streams from snow melt, and bugs and black flies. (Black flies are the Maine state bird). So, early July is ideal.

But, for most, people are the best part of the thru-hike experience. So, you want to go with the flow. And Katahdin is such a kick a$$ goal that builds all the way through Maine. So, if you are constrained by an early July start, I would suggest starting at Harper’s Ferry or Bear Mountain, and go north from there, and then flip flop to do the southern section.

Peaks

#5

I started south bound may 19, 1999 and finshed Nov. 20, 1999. You shouldn’t have any problems starting in July but you will hit cold weather in the south so be prepared for snow. I feel that SOBO is better because you have no artifical time constraints. Springer mountian does have a closing date, it’s open year round.

Darth pac-man

#6

Thank you everyone for the feedback. I am also wondering what the weather might be like in the South near the end of my hike. I plan to start in July and end six months later…will there be snow?

Thanks,
~sETH

Seth

#7

I’m going to start southbound at Katahdin in July (not this year, but when I do). Southern snow is a treat I look forward to. I know it will be cold but I like cold weather, and love the beauty of the southern Appalachians in snow.

steve hiker

#8

We want to do a southbound thru hike. When is the earliest we can start? (keeping in mind we are from maine and dealing with our “state birds” the black flies and mosquitos would be bearable for us!:lol

Rebecca & Bennett

#9

“SouthBound Thru Hike
We want to do a southbound thru hike. When is the earliest we can start? (keeping in mind we are from maine and dealing with our “state birds” the black flies and mosquitos would be bearable for us!”

Hi Mainers! The AT probably won’t be open when Katahdin Stream Campground opens in mid-May. The MATC has a work trip that weekend in the Park, and the Park usually waits until a Ranger checks it out personally. If the trend of the last 15 years holds, the Hunt Trail will be open by Memorial Day weekend. Southbounders can’t stay at the AT lean-to, you’ll need to make reservations. Do it now, as you know reservatons went ‘on sale’ January 1st. Maine residents can reserve parking spots at KSC (shhh don’t tell the people from away!)if you’re not camping. I always suggest MEGAs reserve two nights at KSC, it allows you a chance to start up Katahdin before the crowds, and gives to a place to crash and recover after climbing. Check out: baxterstateparkauthority.com for reservation info and an updated map of the campground. Call ahead, ask lots of questions, the Rangers at HQ are great people!
Have a blast!
TJ

TJ