Where do I start?

[Dream3r]

This is my dream, and I'm finally delving in to seriously tackle hiking the A.T. The thing is, it's finally a possibility to make my fantasy a reality now that I've gotten sober. My plan thus far is to do a southbound hike, starting in Maine still in early spring (the heat of summer won't bother me). Other than plans of how long it may take me and what sort of things I need to acquire to start planning (maps and guidebooks and whatnot), I have no idea where to start. If anyone isn't too annoyed by my inexperience to patronize me, please do share? Thanks!

[Rocket Jones]

Read the articles here on WhiteBlaze, there's a ton of great info available. Read, absorb, ask. And welcome!

[Dream3r]

Read the articles here on WhiteBlaze, there's a ton of great info available. Read, absorb, ask. And welcome!

Yes! Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for... I'm a bit technologically retarded so attempting to figure out this whole forum seemed daunting at first, but the articles seem to be exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated

[Spokes]

Read this 10 page article from Backpacker Magazine (ignore the popups). It has most all the info you need including what to expect in each of the major sections.

http://www.backpacker.com/november_2...inations/12530

[rocketsocks]

I mate,your in the right place.Good luck on your new found sobriety,and as they say,keep comin back.

[ekeverette]

keep up your sobriety.... like the rooms say... one day at a time...... also the word halt... i've got to keep that one in mine on my thru this spring... hungry,angry,lonely, and tired.... call your sponser... you'll be fine!

[TOMP]

I would use the advanced search and look through people's gear lists and make sure you have similar gear and everything you need. Also buy a small PO digital scale and weigh your gear (you may be suprised at what you find). Definately buy a guide book, I have AWOL's AT guide and its really detailed. Figure out if your doing mail drops for food or buying in towns. Also since your going SOBO be aware the Baxter State park doesnt open until June and sometimes later if the weather is bad, so early spring isnt realistic. The good news is you have 6 months to plan. Also get in shape if you arent already. These are a good start but not everything you need to do by any means. Good luck and see you on the trail.

[Papa D]

Early spring wouldn't be the best time to start a SOBO - late May / early June is about as early as you can go - still bolo black flies and deer flies -- you join a rare and proud little clan being SOBO - I wish you well.

[Summit]

I second recommending you dive into the "Appalachian Trail Articles" on this site's home page. With that knowledge you'll start better prepared than most thru hikers. Stay sober and enjoy your hike. There's lots to do besides party in the towns . . .

[d.o.c]

its just a lil walk in the woods

[Dream3r]

keep up your sobriety.... like the rooms say... one day at a time...... also the word halt... i've got to keep that one in mine on my thru this spring... hungry,angry,lonely, and tired.... call your sponser... you'll be fine!

Thank you so much

[Dream3r]

Great info! Thank you!

[bigcranky]

Yeah, depending on what you mean by "early spring" Maine isn't the best place to start. Really, June 1 is probably the earliest practical start date in Maine. If you want to be on the trail in March or April you'll want to start in Georgia.

have fun!

[Transient Being]

Buy a warm sleeping bag. In my formative years I made the mistake of bringing the wrong bag and I nearly froze to death....seriously.

[DLANOIE]

I have hiked it SOBO and I also live in Maine. If starting up here I would recommend no earlier than June 1. Unless the weather is unusually warm and dry, the first few weeks of June will still be cold and wet, trust me. Baxter State Park(BSP) typically opens May 15 but dont count on it. I also recommend reading the Articles section for any and all the information you need. Alot of good info there for sure. And dont be afraid to ask questions when you have them. One day at a time.

[CROCKETT]

Dream3R,
I too am in recovery. I plan on starting a NOBO in Mid March. I know I MUST be aware that there will be some partying along the trail. I also know I can NOT participate in the activity. I can't ask my fellow hikers not to do it, I'm the one with the problem, not them. I'm carrying a Iphone for communication to call my guys from my "Home Group" to give them updates, as well as to call if I feel like I'm in a bad spot.

This has been a dream of mine for a long time, my wife gave her blessings about a year ago, since then I have been reading everything I can find. Working out at the gym, hiking as much as I can test my equipment.

Also, I have to remember, GOD is always with me even when my "Home Group" and meetings are not.

Best of Luck, "Keep coming back"

[Blissful]

I would not go southbound in early spring. Baxter State Park in Maine is not even open until mid May. Streams and rivers run very high in Maine and bugs are impossible. Start in mid June, sometimes early June or very late May if low snow year. But you will still hit the blackflies.

If you want to start early spring, then start in Georgia and go north

Also - SOBO is southbound, NOBO northbound

[Rocket Jones]

SOBO tends to be a more solitary hike as far fewer hikers take that direction. NOBO is more sociable, with a much larger group starting in roughly the same timeframe and stringing out along the trail as differences in pace take effect.

[Sassafras Lass]

For starters, the earliest you can summit Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine is May 15th - and that's if the weather is cooperating. Given there's no timeline on heading south (unlike northbounders) most folks leave the first/second week of June. Here's a link to more info about thru-hiking as it pertains to Baxter and Katahdin.

Here's PMag's guide to thru'g. And here's a hiker who gathered up his southbound newsletters, for inspiration.

From WhiteBlaze:

Thru-hike planning spreadsheet (just reverse it for SOBO)
Good starter for building your pack essentials
Links to suppliers, maps, hiking clubs, etc.
Current weather along the AT (maybe not super helpful, but interesting all the same)
Compiled listing of tricks and wisdom for hiking

And you've already found this forum, so you're ahead of schedule! Best of luck to you, and remember no question is stupid - we're here to help, invigorate, sometimes argue, and hypothesize.