Originally Posted by
kizzybean
Have no worries, you wont be alone. I don't see any CON's myself. I started NOBO last March solo at 60yo and found being alone was not an issue. I quickly found a group that was hiking about the same pace as myself.....slow and steady. We kind of kept an eye on each other and provided support. When I had a family emergency that ended my thru hike attempt these folks help me get to town and back to Atlanta. I found being a solo hiker I was able to set my pace, stop when I wanted, start in the morning when I was ready and it so was really my hike. I have sectioned hike most of the AT in New England, some times alone and sometimes with partners. Although it was nice hiking with another at times, other times I found we weren't the same pace and having to wait for someone or to worry and push faster to keep up wasn't the type of hiking I enjoyed. Because of these experiences I chose to hike Solo and had no regrets for the amount of time I was out there. The worry came from my family tho. To keep them happy I chose to carry a GPS tracker so they could monitor where I was. The one I chose sent my location every 15 minutes and I could send a message even when there wasn't cell phone service. Family and friends loved following my hike and seeing where I was on a map share program. A little extra weight and $$ but worth keeping hubby and children happy. The AT is very busy and you will find you will have many folks to talk to and gain friends along the way that match your pace and plans. Especially starting NOBO there wont be any worry of camping alone for quite some time, at which point you'll be a pro hiker. Personally I found the crowds NOBO end of March too much. There was always a scurry for camping sites - luckily I hammock hang so I could find a spot but others were scrambling for space in shelters or flat spots to pitch a tent. Because of this I plan on doing a Flip Flop in 2019 for anther attempt. For me reading suggestions from hikers successful with a flip flop I feel, at my age and fitness level starting off at the easiest part to build up my stamina good. Fewer crowds so no worry about getting a spot at a hostel or camping spot, hitting the Whites and Maine in good physical shape but not depleted end of hike fatigue and body breakdown, .... all these reasons think I'm more likely to be successful in my thru hike. Also having family in Maine I can easily take a break and reconnect with family before heading sobo. For me the only down side is I have already section hiked from Harpers Ferry to Deleware Water Gap, so this will be a repeat. Finalize plans haven't been made but I'm thinking of starting in SNP to give me a start on trail I haven't hiked yet.
Good luck with your hike. You can do it.