View Full Version : Best Start Month
I was wondering, being that i am a math teacher, if there are stats on which month holds the greatest start to finish percentage. Since each month/week holds it's own advantage and disadvantage, which is the best time to start?
jersey joe
05-18-2012, 15:26
It really depends on you and your hike.
The answer is different depending on how long your hike is, 4mo vs 6mo.
Also, some people prefer cold weather over warm weather and vice versa.
If I were to thru-hike again, I would probably do it in 4 months and plan my timing to maximize my daylight, putting June 21st as close to the middle of my thru hike as possible.
WIAPilot
05-18-2012, 16:00
Oh man. Great question! Is there any way to compile a list of the thru hikers and their start dates? Each year would have their own weather problems, but maybe if there was a compilation of the last 5 years? Hey. I'll take any advantage I can get...
Moose2001
05-18-2012, 16:05
There really isn't a better month to start. Each month has advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what works best for you.
WIAPilot
05-18-2012, 16:10
I understand that, but he is asking about statistically showing what month has the highest proven success rate.
Firefighter503
05-19-2012, 05:18
Even though start week probably has no real bearing on whether a hiker finishes (did a hiker quit due to weather, injury, boredom, family emergency, etc.), if someone wants to compile data I think it would be cool to see anyways. I started 03/13 last year, and got off due to family emergency.
No month data but you may find these stats interesting:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/2000-milers
Basic info on when to start here (pg. 27-28):
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-document-library/step-by-step-web-version.pdf