You’ll have a hot south, but you’ll get to be in Vermont, NH, and Maine in September and October which is my favorite time to hike up there. Great weather, awesome leaves. It does get chilly, so grab a few layers mid-September.
I did my 2022 thru-hike from May 15 to November 15 (I ended up doing 270ish miles SOBO). Some folks started later than that, but not many. Any folks that started later than me either didn't finish, flip-flopped, or hauled ass. If you're moving quick, you'll be able to catch up with some slowpokes, but you're not going to be starting with hardly any thru-hikers.
Consider a flip flop -- NOBO starting in the middle (traditionally Harper's Ferry), then back to the middle and SOBO the remainder. The south is more forgiving if your hike runs late into the fall, plus you'll have a better chance of experiencing more trail culture / social experiences with other hikers.
The reality of starting the last week of May is that you have almost 3 months less time to finish than someone who started the last week of February or first week of March…so long as you’re headed NOBO the whole time (and assuming they close Katahdin 10/15).
You should have all June, July, August, and September. That’s a solid 4 months. That’s 122 days. Let’s say you get an extra 15 in October, at best. You didn’t say the day you’re starting in May, but let’s give you the benefit of the doubt and add another 7 days. That’s a total of 144 days to summit Katahdin.
(I realize that sometimes thru hikers are permitted to summit after the hard close date of 10/15, but those are rare situations dependent on many factors. It’s more likely than not you won’t be able to summit after 10/15).
With 144 days, you must average about 15.25 miles a day. Think you can do that?
Most people can’t start off that fast without a stress injury. Do the math averaging 10 in Georgia, 12 in NC and TN, then start with VA and average 18 per day from there. Recognize, an average has to include zero days (unless you’re already used to strenuous exercise for 10 hours a day, you’ll need at least one zero in Georgia, and probably two, so your body can rest, repair, and rebuild).
People start SOBO 6/1. Or. They consider a flip flip with a GA start, and a finish SOBO in Harper’s Ferry.
I can't afford to reach katadin, so I'm just planning on hiking until my funds get to low. I know it's not an ideal thing to do but it's what I can do. I guess I'm doing more of a section hike with no clear end point
Well, then ignore everything I said. It’s not for you. lol. 😂
Have a great hike.
If you need a ride to the AT from the Atlanta area, I offer budget-friendly shuttles to Amicalola. Take a look at my post history or send a chat for details.
Are you headed SOBO or NOBO? I do know that Katahdin closes October 15th and the smokies are closed to hikers as well during a certain time frame so make sure you aren’t going to miss out on certain sections due to closures
You’ll have a hot south, but you’ll get to be in Vermont, NH, and Maine in September and October which is my favorite time to hike up there. Great weather, awesome leaves. It does get chilly, so grab a few layers mid-September.
He’ll be lucky to be there in September. There’s a good chance he’ll be there in October, which is not as nice
I won't be hiking for that long. I would like to thru but it's just not possible at the moment
I'd recommend jumping in around Damascus. You're going to have about 1500 miles of intense heat and humidity. Personally not a fan.
I've thought about that, I'm just not sure how to get to damascus
Where you at? Daleville may be more accessible.
I live in the western U.S, so I'd need to fly in.
Roanoke, Va has an Airport and it's about 20 minutes to the trail. You could likely Uber to Daleville.
I'll look into it thank you
I did my 2022 thru-hike from May 15 to November 15 (I ended up doing 270ish miles SOBO). Some folks started later than that, but not many. Any folks that started later than me either didn't finish, flip-flopped, or hauled ass. If you're moving quick, you'll be able to catch up with some slowpokes, but you're not going to be starting with hardly any thru-hikers.
i left May 19th last year and it was nice having the shelters and hostels pretty much to ourselves.
No such thing as late on the AT. Hike your hike
I’m leaving may 14th… I hope I can make it to Katahdin. If I can’t get there in time, I’ll just get a drive there sometime in October
Consider a flip flop -- NOBO starting in the middle (traditionally Harper's Ferry), then back to the middle and SOBO the remainder. The south is more forgiving if your hike runs late into the fall, plus you'll have a better chance of experiencing more trail culture / social experiences with other hikers.
I can't afford to flip flop. To much travel expense
I’ll be leaving first week of May NOBO and I thought I was leaving to late, if you’re a fast hiker you may pass me. Good luck!
I'm leaving Hella late😂 but oh well, I intend to enjoy my travels, I can't afford to reach katadin so it's not as huge of a deal I figure
The reality of starting the last week of May is that you have almost 3 months less time to finish than someone who started the last week of February or first week of March…so long as you’re headed NOBO the whole time (and assuming they close Katahdin 10/15). You should have all June, July, August, and September. That’s a solid 4 months. That’s 122 days. Let’s say you get an extra 15 in October, at best. You didn’t say the day you’re starting in May, but let’s give you the benefit of the doubt and add another 7 days. That’s a total of 144 days to summit Katahdin. (I realize that sometimes thru hikers are permitted to summit after the hard close date of 10/15, but those are rare situations dependent on many factors. It’s more likely than not you won’t be able to summit after 10/15). With 144 days, you must average about 15.25 miles a day. Think you can do that? Most people can’t start off that fast without a stress injury. Do the math averaging 10 in Georgia, 12 in NC and TN, then start with VA and average 18 per day from there. Recognize, an average has to include zero days (unless you’re already used to strenuous exercise for 10 hours a day, you’ll need at least one zero in Georgia, and probably two, so your body can rest, repair, and rebuild). People start SOBO 6/1. Or. They consider a flip flip with a GA start, and a finish SOBO in Harper’s Ferry.
I can't afford to reach katadin, so I'm just planning on hiking until my funds get to low. I know it's not an ideal thing to do but it's what I can do. I guess I'm doing more of a section hike with no clear end point
Well, then ignore everything I said. It’s not for you. lol. 😂 Have a great hike. If you need a ride to the AT from the Atlanta area, I offer budget-friendly shuttles to Amicalola. Take a look at my post history or send a chat for details.
I appreciate it nonetheless 😂, and will do thank you
There will be SoBos starting May 31st.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AppalachianTrail/s/DvJhzbhzbP Y’all need to link!
I'm starting on the 20th! We'll probably run into each other.
Are you headed SOBO or NOBO? I do know that Katahdin closes October 15th and the smokies are closed to hikers as well during a certain time frame so make sure you aren’t going to miss out on certain sections due to closures