I will be stepping foot on to Springer Mountain in early March 2012. Likely March 3rd on my Birthday. I am attempting to go the distance. 7 months should give me plenty of time to prepare prior to “My Hike.”
I am also interested in other hikers with the same goal, GA to ME.
-ReNew-
ReNew
Your post makes me laugh due only to irony. I, too, am planning an early March 2012 leave from Springer Mountain. I am hoping to leave on March 8, which is my birthday. I just find it humorous we have the same goal in mind. 
A-KA
That is kind of funny…its still quite a ways away. Im sure it wont be just two hikers. I love having the 7 month prep time.
ReNew
Funny. I started March 5th in '05, but turned 60 on March 3rd. On 8/15 of this year I’m heading south from Katahdin. I’ll head south far as I can before the weather gets bad and then hole up somewhere until winter - or have to go home to do my taxes:)
Nimblefoot
Oh, I’m sure there will be quite a few hikers around! That’s one of the things I’m most excited for. The seven month prep time is good, because I’m going to need it to save as much money as I can, but I’m just antsy to get out there and start!
Well, Nimble, maybe we’ll see you in the spring once you’ve emerged from your winter hibernation! I can’t wait until tax time. That’s going to hopefully be my trail town money, lol!
A-KA
I was planning on starting around then just because that’s when I read most people do it. I have a lot of research to do before I set a firm date, though. Saving, too… I live in Australia so the flights alone are gonna set me back a couple of thousand!
Joel
Wow, Joel. That’s a long ways to come! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, that’s for sure!
I chose March because, outside of it being my birthday, I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to reach Katahdin while still being able to enjoy the trail and all it has to offer. If, technically, Katahdin closes on October 15th, I’ve given myself a good eight months to get there. However, there’s always the possibility of it closing sooner, too, depending on the weather. I guess I’d rather put up with a little snow at the beginning of my trip and know I can make it rather than waiting for better weather to start and possibly having bad weather cause me to not finish.
A-KA
Katahdin does not close on October 15th. Baxter State Park is closed to camping on October 15th. I completed my hike in 2004 on Katahdin October 25th. It was an amazing day with 50 degree temp and now wind. A few patches or snow reminded me that Winter and ski season were on the way. I arrange to be picked up in the park the day before I finished my hike and returned the next morning to make my final ascent. One of the best parts was that there were only 2 other people on the entire mountain that day. Most people I talked with finished their hikes with a crowd surrounding them at the sign.
Art
Excusing my technical error, why does everyone say to finish your hike before October 15th or you won’t be allowed to climb Katahdin?
A-KA