Why do people go NOBO or SOBO

[protargol]

I have a general idea of the pros and cons of each direction, but they seem pretty even to me. That said, there are many more NOBO hikers than there are SOBO, and I'm trying to figure out why. Do people fear the weather in the North? Are the black flies a huge deterrent? In the end HYOH, but I'm just trying to get a grasp on why one direction is so disproportionately more popular than the other.

[Spokes]

For me going NOBO was just easier logistically. I salute all the SOBO's since they're starting at the toughest part of the trail. At least I had time to get my legs before the agony set in.

[WingedMonkey]

Because going East or West only leads to more beer.

[hikerboy57]

Because going East or West only leads to more beer.

apparently, there is no wobo or eobo.

[Spokes]

Ding, ding, ding............ We have a winner!!

[4eyedbuzzard]

Other than all the usual reasons of weather, flies, streams, blowdown, etc. that prevent starting a SOBO much before mid-June / July, and the whole "walking with spring" tradition, it's mostly just sheep following the herd / party.

[Spokes]

Those are great trailnames.....

[Nean]

Most go NOBO because most are eager to get started. If you start before or after the herd you miss most of the party. It's what you prefer, or not.

Its easier to avoid this going sobo as there are less hikers that have to, or can wait, until June on...

[brian039]

I would think that ending your hike in Georgia would be more anti-climatic than ending your hike in Maine. Maybe somebody who has done both ways could chime in. I know for me that finishing in Maine was a huge deal, it was a great ending to an awesome journey.

[Nean]

I would think that ending your hike in Georgia would be more anti-climatic than ending your hike in Maine. Maybe somebody who has done both ways could chime in. I know for me that finishing in Maine was a huge deal, it was a great ending to an awesome journey.

Well, it is a understandable thought...

I've found it to be anything but true- for many reasons- but the main one is... it's the same.

[Spokes]

I would think that ending your hike in Georgia would be more anti-climatic than ending your hike in Maine ....

+1 on that. End your hike in Maine and your celebratory meal is lobster as opposed to a plate of BBQ in Georgia. Now you choose.

[seggera88]

I would think that ending your hike in Georgia would be more anti-climatic than ending your hike in Maine. Maybe somebody who has done both ways could chime in. I know for me that finishing in Maine was a huge deal, it was a great ending to an awesome journey.

For me growing up in NH and having hiked Katahdin a few times, Springer Mountain seems so far away and a desired place in my hopes and dreams. So I think Springer will be climactic... hope to get there soon!

[hikerboy57]

I think if you read some of Blissful's posts, you'll get a good understanding about why do a SOBO.

[WingedMonkey]

I think if you read some of Blissful's posts, you'll get a good understanding about why do a SOBO.

Keep in mind that was a south bound over a period of four years.

[protargol]

Wanting to go NOBO because there are more people is a positive feedback.

People go north to be with more people, and there are more people going North because more people want to do it the more popular way. The argument that people want to get out there early makes sense, but I'm not sure why people don't just start going south and have an equally large community. I guess doing NH/ME at the end when you're fit also makes sense, but the reverse is that ME and NH make you a seasoned hiker pretty quick weather you like it or not.

[Nean]

Wanting to go NOBO because there are more people is a positive feedback.

People go north to be with more people, and there are more people going North because more people want to do it the more popular way. The argument that people want to get out there early makes sense, but I'm not sure why people don't just start going south and have an equally large community. I guess doing NH/ME at the end when you're fit also makes sense, but the reverse is that ME and NH make you a seasoned hiker pretty quick weather you like it or not.

Dude - you are not paying attention!
You can go south with the same number of people- there are just less days to do so.
People go because of timing- not because its "more popular".

The first hundred miles down south is harder than the first hundred in Maine.

Friends, family, logistics are all good reasons to choose your terminus- but to say one is better than another usually means you have only done it one way.

Besides- you ever been to Katahdin on a cold cloudy windy rainy day?
Nothing to see but you may die.
Maybe it just comes down to the food you prefer?

[max patch]

I think if you read some of Blissful's posts, you'll get a good understanding about why do a SOBO.

The weather is much better on NOBO; start in the spring and end in NE in the fall.

Oh, and when asked, Blissful (who has gone both ways) said she preferred NOBO.

[Lone Wolf]

i preferred SOBO. i've done 4 NOBOs

[tat44too]

Ya'll are crazy. Very funny stuff...

[LDog]

Speaking only for myself (as opposed to those who start their replies with generalizations like "People go north to ...") Mary and I are starting in Georgia because the timing makes more sense to us. We could care less about the party crowd. Hiking with spring sounds nice. Easing our 55+ YO legs makes sense. Avoiding black flies is a good thing. But, the timing is the prime motivator.

I will say, we most certainly don't ****ing say "Baaa..." - Well except maybe to those who make generalizations about why one group hikes a particular direction.