Too late for NOBO?

[njgramm]

I know I have heard of people hiking the trail all times of year. However is it really feasible to leave late November early December nobo?

[moytoy]

Anything is possible but be ready to hole up in towns during winter storms. I like winter camping but camping and hiking long distance are two different things. I defer to the experts.

[njgramm]

I do agree anything is possible. I have missed both spring time dates to leave a couple years apart. Now i have the opportunity to head out again in a month. However i don't want to set myself up for failure. So just lookin for advice. Like one question on my mind. That dude that ferries people across the river. Can you get across without him since he does it seasonably, things like that....

[yellowsirocco]

New England is where the problems lie.

[njgramm]

Be in New England like april or may right?

[yellowsirocco]

And you can walk around the ferry, but you will need a road map and it isn't a short detour. that is the least of your problems though. the trail will be a muddy mess.

[njgramm]

so in your opinion the mud is the worst of leavin this late?

[yellowsirocco]

The entire thing sounds like a disaster. For a nice winter walk get a plane ticket to europe and walk the Camino de Santiago. The AT will still be there.

[moytoy]

The entire thing sounds like a disaster. For a nice winter walk get a plane ticket to europe and walk the Camino de Santiago. The AT will still be there.

Or just drive to Fl and do the FT

[njgramm]

Lmao if i had that kinda money i could wait till march.....

[njgramm]

good point bout FL. Totally forgot bout that. Is this a good time to leave for that?

[njgramm]

Mainly asking what time of year does the average person make it to springer if they leave beg. of dec?

[yellowsirocco]

If you don't have that kind of money then you won't get far on the AT during the winter. The AT ain't cheap. On the internet people have these romanticized thoughts about living in the woods and never coming to town, but that never happens.

[njgramm]

actually i am planning only town reups. no mail drops. thats why i dont have extra funds for a trip to europe.

[moytoy]

good point bout FL. Totally forgot bout that. Is this a good time to leave for that?

Yes, Oct. thru April is pretty decent weather for hiking here. It is different experience here and you don't have a lot of people hiking with you.

[njgramm]

yeah i main concern was the lack of that dude helpin across the river (which was addressed) and weather.

[yellowsirocco]

So you have one river down, great, but how about crossing Oberton Stream, the Carrabassett River and Big Wilson full of snow-melt?

[njgramm]

Exactly why im askin yellowsirocco. Im wantin to know what im in for goin off season.... And I appreciate any input.

[moytoy]

You will have time to get to the Smokies just about the time winter sets in for good. Depending on the winter we have will depend on how far you get before all the rest of the AT hikers start. Bad winter and you may not be that far ahead of the pack when you get to NE.

[njgramm]

moytoy is that based on leavin in a month from springer or FL like you mentioned earlier?