I have decided that I am going to give serious consideration to a flip flop. I want to start somewhat still in the south about a month north of the smokies so I can hit them in the fall when they change colors and such. I plan to rent a car in Maine and drive and sight see back for a few days to a couple weeks maybe. I'd like to try to walk into the color change. If I miss it o well. I do think I would like to start south of HF. I'd like to experience the NOBO aspect of the trail but I'd really enjoy the south more secluded. I am from a military background so I know the crowd thins out eventually or the bubbles adapt to hiking speeds of individuals. When I go I will not have a time frame other then winter. I will still most likely start in April. So from what I read the beginning and the end are the roughest so they say, its all hard. This way I can do all the hardest parts last? Maybe around mile 700? I am thinking 2\3 NOBO 1\3 SOBO. Obviously it all works and the only way to get there is to walk a lot everyday. Logistically speaking maybe some where just inside Virginia or NC-TN any place easy too get to ect?