I hiked Georgia in early April 2004 just to experience the thru-hiker stampede. Interestingly, we camped near Amicalola Lodge on the first Saturday night in April and heard a half-dozen hikers pass by during the night. The next day, we learned that there had been a few dozen campers up at Springer Mtn. LT, and over 30 at Hawk Mtn. LT. We passed a number of people throughout the course of the day and camped along with 10 aspiring thru-hikers at Hickory Flatts Cemetery that evening. The next day we passed a number of people, but it was never crowded. We camped alone atop Ramrock Mtn. (dry) with a great view of the Atlanta skyline. On the third day we passed a bunch of other hikers, and there were a slew of folks passing through Neels Gap that afternoon. It wasn't until the fourth day when we hit a larger group heading up to Blue Mtn. LT that things got crowded. All in all, though, it wasn't as bad as I expected, but I would suggest starting from Amicalola on a Monday or Tuesday rather than the weekend.