Pro and Cons for a May 1st nobo start

[chillum]

Very few hikers start this late (May1st); however, due to a some last minute spontaneity and a months courtesy notice... it is what it is.

Please provide some feedback as to the pro and cons for a late departure. I should still have 5.5 months to finish.

Thank You,
Chillum

[Hoofit]

Not too late -just depends how often you hit that chillum....He He

[Odd Man Out]

According to the Hiking Rate Article, the historic median time for a thru hike has been 169 days. Starting May 1 at this pace would put you at the end on Oct 17. But Baxter SP closes for camping on Oct 15, so you would have to plan accordingly (or hike faster than the median rate). Of course you won't have to deal with the winter weather down south like the March starters, but you are more likely to run into weather in ME and the Whites. Hiking at the median rate will put you in the Whites in the third week of September when the average low is around freezing. You could also get that record low of 9 or record wind of 174 mph! In July, the record low is a balmy 24 and the record wind gust is only 154 mph.

http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/normals.php

[Pony]

Less people, you will be behind the pack. Most likely you will be in Maine to see the leaves turn.

[MuddyWaters]

You can always flip flop as needed.

[moldy]

More, bugs,poisen ivy, snakes, heat and less water. On the plus side, less cold, rain and snow. More daylight.

[jacob_springsteen]

5 months to do it in to finish up at end of September is very feasible. That said, you really can make the miles in Virginia through CT and slow it down in VT, NH, ME. You won't need much warm weather gear for most of the hike too, helping with a lighter pack weight and will have a decent amount of daylight hours to start the hike with. Plus, as said, you will avoid the crowd of thru-hikers for most of the route.

[bigcranky]

Much lighter pack to start with no winter gear. Makes for an easier first few weeks. Plenty of hikers finish in 5 months, 5.5 should be plenty. Have fun.

If you're really worried about it, start in Damascus and hike nobo to Katahdin, then flip south and hike to Springer.

[Papa D]

You'll be hot and sweaty at times, water might be an issue in the south - need to keep an eye out for snaky areas in GA, NC, and TN and you'll need to hike the trail in about 4 1/2 months which is a fast pace but it can certainly be done. Go for it and have a great time.

[weary]

A May 1 hike start means you'll be hiking the southern Appalachians when they are at their most spectacular. The southern mountain wildflowers are incredibly beautiful most Mays, through early June.

[chillum]

Its on! Thanks for the comments. I was curious about the water concerns as the summer comes along.

[rjhouser]

I'm doing the approach on April 29th, AT on the 30th. Might see you out there!

[George]

I think to have the best play on conditions go north till early/mid june jump to about new york, than pick back up sobo after maine - you could take up to 6 months and have the best likely weather in each area, (late conditions could be dry though)

[chillum]

I'm sure of it. We will be starting one day behind you.

[ARambler]

You will be passed by several later starters.

[MyName1sMud]

Why not just head to Maine and do it SOBO?

[Sevsa]

Yes water can be a issue in my area depending on how much rain has fallen. I've had issues with it in PA, NJ and NY more than once. There is a large deficit in precipitation in PA this year (a virtually snowless winter) so unless it rains a lot before summer some water sources will definitely dry up. It shouldn't stop you but you will need to be more aware of running water sources.

[The Solemates]

not a problem - have fun!

[jersey joe]

One positive aspect of starting later on May 1st in Georgia is that you will have a full 2 hours more daylight than if you started on March 1st.