Did an outside in, outside in due to Hurricane Irene. Started the day of Irene, August 28th from N. Troy sobo. Got the the GMNF and it was shut down and they were threatening arrest and or $5000.00 fine. Got off trail for about 5 days to a friends house near Ludlow. Then had him drop me off in Mass. and hike back NOBO once they opened the forest. This was actually pretty cool, but difficult near Killington due to the devastation from Irene. Did like going SOBO to start even though more difficult, I was eager to go, excited and energetic. So my preference is pretty much any is good, but be flexible and enjoy regardless of the direction.