the NoBo thru count

**Praha4** · 03-10-2015, 11:10

Things are picking up fast on the trail. Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega says on their FB page that the AT ridge runner has a count of 70+ NoBo thru-hikers per day for the last 5 days. And the season is just getting started.

**Christoph** · 03-10-2015, 11:17

Anyone have an idea on what the completion percentage rate was last year?

**Slo-go'en** · 03-10-2015, 11:33

Originally Posted by Christoph

Anyone have an idea on what the completion percentage rate was last year?

If I remember right it was close to 30% thanks to pretty good weather overall (and maybe a bit of yellow blazing). March was a little stormy as usual, but it wasn't a real hot summer and we had a nice fall.

**brancher** · 03-10-2015, 13:31

Hmmm... I was at Springer over the weekend, saw a couple dozen or so, but no more than that. I will be looking for numbers on this thread over the next 3 weeks or so.

**horsefarm** · 03-10-2015, 17:30

last year was 26%. 2008-2014 is 27%. these are NOBO stats

**jimmyjam** · 03-10-2015, 17:36

Wow 70 plus that's a stampede.

**Praha4** · 03-10-2015, 19:04

70+ per day is insane. And it's only March 10th. Usually peak season is mid March to 1st week of April. Mountain Crossings' FB page had pics of some of the garbage the Trail maintainers are packing out. LNT is a concept many still do not grasp. Warmer weather this week will probably bring more section hikers out too.

**Lone Wolf** · 03-10-2015, 19:51

need onsite caretakers at every shelter in georgia through fontana dam from march 1st - april 15th

**brancher** · 03-11-2015, 11:01

Originally Posted by Lone Wolf

need onsite caretakers at every shelter in georgia through fontana dam from march 1st - april 15th

Yeah, I feel you there..... I've been following Lorie's posts and pleas for folks to consider alternative thru's - like a flip out of HF or similar - and although I hadn't read them with an awful lot of interest, there may really be something to it. 70+ NOBOs per day (if it's a real number) on the south end is way too many -- (not to mention all the trash, noise and such)

**Slo-go'en** · 03-11-2015, 12:44

I wonder how many have already gave up and went home?

**msumax1985** · 03-11-2015, 13:28

I wonder how many leaving about now had originally planned a Feb start date, but pushed it back due to the snow? I'll bet that has something to do with the spiked numbers this year.

**horsefarm** · 03-11-2015, 18:04

Originally Posted by msumax1985

I wonder how many leaving about now had originally planned a Feb start date, but pushed it back due to the snow? I'll bet that has something to do with the spiked numbers this year.

Solid hypothesis. Time to see how the starting numbers change as the season progresses

**FatMan** · 03-11-2015, 18:33

Tons of folks out there. Averaging about 35 at Gooch Mtn shelter over the past few days and another 15-20 at Gooch Gap. I can't fathom how Lance Creek holding up with the bear canister reg in effect. Just not that much space over there.

Miss Janet was setup at Gooch Gap this morning doing some magic. Good to see her again.

**MrGonzalo** · 03-12-2015, 17:33

Packed everywhere. A horde headed to Franklin today. The shelters are packed and overrun with mice. However, anyone pushing 14+ mile days and stealthing is able to avoid most others (if so desired).

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**4eyedbuzzard** · 03-12-2015, 18:26

70 per day, huh? Sounds exactly like what I wouldn't want on a long hike--make that ANY hike. I doubt that many signed the register for an entire month in the 1970's. Sounds pretty awful. Another good reason to go SOBO or do an alternate itinerary.

**lonehiker** · 03-12-2015, 19:46

Originally Posted by MrGonzalo

Packed everywhere. A horde headed to Franklin today. The shelters are packed and overrun with mice. However, anyone pushing 14+ mile days and stealthing is able to avoid most others (if so desired).

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Is the term "stealthing" used to describe anyone not camping in or near a shelter? If that is the case, then the term has evolved over the past few years.

**Slo-go'en** · 03-12-2015, 22:43

Originally Posted by lonehiker

Is the term "stealthing" used to describe anyone not camping in or near a shelter? If that is the case, then the term has evolved over the past few years.

Yes, I would take that as the definition in this case. No doubt there's tents popping up all along the trail like mushrooms

I bet all the recent rain has doubled the population of Franklin and Hiawassee.

**squeezebox** · 03-12-2015, 23:00

You are definitely not a Lone hiker if you are on the AT in GA now.

**The Cleaner** · 03-12-2015, 23:16

Just one good snowstorm and some below freezing temps will knock many out like pins in a bowling alley.

**MrGonzalo** · 03-13-2015, 10:43

Originally Posted by lonehiker

Is the term "stealthing" used to describe anyone not camping in or near a shelter? If that is the case, then the term has evolved over the past few years.

For the most part. In my case, I try to stick to non established camp grounds away from sight. Most tents will pop up around shelters, when hikers realize that the structure is full. I have only seen a couple of camping only spots with tents.

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