View Full Version : 2019 Thru Hikers Starting After April 15
sadlowskiadam
03-07-2019, 11:16
I just wanted to see if there are any 2019 thru hikers out there that intend to start in GA after April 15 to avoid the crowds? I may be out the the week of April 14-20, and may run into you.
KnightErrant
03-07-2019, 22:44
I started April 13th last year and there were still 15-25 people starting each day that week. Not quite the zoo of mid-March, but plenty of company! I originally registered for the 16th (my birthday) but chose the 13th instead because there were only 8 people registered with ATC to start that day. Definitely more than 8 out there, but still never had an issue finding tent sites or shelter space. Mountain Crossings was full when I got there two days later, but still with room to tent out back.
I strongly recommend a mid-April start. Always company when I wanted it, but solitude when I wanted that too. Inevitably hot in the mid-Atlantic, but absolutely heavenly fall foliage in Maine for the finish. Enjoy it!
fiddlehead
03-07-2019, 23:05
I remember when April 15th was the norm.
Now it's the exception.
I started May 9th one year.
Was great.
MuddyWaters
03-08-2019, 00:00
You will have plenty of company.
Will likely start last week of April. Prior years I've been flipping from Harper's Ferry and north, and there got to be quite a few hikers doing the same. I like company but also a little solitude is good. Good luck out there!