Start time?

[tomandcolin]

im looking to start april 12ish - is this a really silly idea? we're flying over from the uk and we have a commitment here the week before we leave, we're doing a thru hike for charity and to miss this week would mean we'd lose out on at least £3000 sponsorship money
so do i raise some extra dollar to aid in kicking cancers ass at the risk of getting bogged down in heavy traffic in GA?
someone help! ive never been to america before and have no clue, i need some wise words!
Cant wait either way
cheers, TG

[Lone Wolf]

perfect time to start. have fun, raise lotsa $$$

[dessertrat]

April is a fine time to start. It seems like more and more people lately start in March, so it might not be as crowded as you'd think.

[bigcranky]

Mid April is great. You'll get some cold weather, but you'll be past the brunt of winter. It won't be too crowded, especially if you can start on a weekday. And you'll have plenty of time to make Katahdin.

[Blissful]

Good time to start. Better weather too. Enjoy!

[max patch]

All things considered, you have picked -- in my opinion -- the best weekend in 2009 to start a NOBO thru.

[fiddlehead]

Yep. I agree.

April 15th is the best time to start a NOBO hike but a few weeks either side of it are ok too.

Have fun!

[stranger]

It's a great time to start, I started April 9th this year, but you could still have plenty of cold weather and will have plenty of hikers on the trail.

[Jack Tarlin]

Count me in with the folks who commented above. Mid April is a perfect time to start. You'll be behind most of the big crowd, so you'll have a better chance at shelter space when you want or need it; you'll have much better weather that the earlier starters; you'll have fewer snow/sleet days, and subsequently less time off in towns waiting on the weather to improve. And most important, you'll have plenty of time for your hike. Enjoy.

[tomandcolin]

brilliant! looks like we're making the right move then, roll on april!
thanks guys TTT