View Full Version : sobo OR nobo
dannybuzzell
12-04-2008, 13:42
I plan to complete the trail next summer. My remaining sections are a long one: Erwin, TN to Fahnestock SP, NY and a shorter one from Gorham to Katahdin. I live in Massachusetts and can leave no earlier than June 14, my retirement date. (I am leaving Maine for last, no matter what!) My dilemma is whether to begin SOBO in NY or return to Erwin and come NOBO. I guess I'm looking for input regarding weather, water, and any other amenities that come to mind. thanks for your input. db
What dilemma?
Leave June 14 from Erwin, hike to Fahenstock, take bus to Gorham, hike to Katahdin, take bus home. Weather will be too hot, too cold, too dry and too wet at varioius times. Same services if you go NOBO or SOBO, and all will be available in summer.
_terrapin_
12-04-2008, 13:51
Toss a coin. It's unlikely you'll encounter masses of thru-hikers either way. June 14 in NY is too early to meet SOBOs. June 14 in Erwin is too late to meet NOBOs. You'll be sharing the trail with joggers, strollers, day-hikers and section hikers -- but not too many thru-hikers.
Slo-go'en
12-04-2008, 14:59
It would likely be easier to get home from NY - at least it would be a shorter ride for someone to come get you. Niether place is too easy to get into or out of by public transportation. Either way, it will be hot, but at least you can keep your pack weight low - but offset by all the water you'll need to carry.
Toss a coin. It's unlikely you'll encounter masses of thru-hikers either way. June 14 in NY is too early to meet SOBOs. June 14 in Erwin is too late to meet NOBOs. You'll be sharing the trail with joggers, strollers, day-hikers and section hikers -- but not too many thru-hikers.If he hiked SOBO he would run into a lot of NOBO thru hikers in passing.
Blissful
12-04-2008, 15:26
It will be hot and humid down south from TN through VA any way you look at it. And water gets scarcer except if there are tropical systems.
dannybuzzell
12-04-2008, 16:31
Thanks all for the posts. I was trying to weigh the differences regarding water availability at each end of the Erwin/Fahnestock section in June and August. I can relate to the heat/humidity issue - I did the NOC to Erwin section in early July.
But as you can see, my coin is still in the air and it may be air fares that make the decision for me.
Thanks again for your input, see you on the Trail, db
_terrapin_
12-04-2008, 17:44
Water may be a consideration, but it's hard to say how it would be better NOBO or SOBO. The central and southern portion of the AT was bone-dry in late summer 2007. Conversely, 2008 was pretty wet, at least in the northern 1/2 or 1/3 of the trail.
If you started in NY, it would be flatter at first, and it might be easier to get into shape. You will run into NOBOs, whereas you wouldn't see many if you started in Erwin.