The more I read, the more I wonder if I should start in April. I was planning on a Feb 27th start that way I could beat the crowds but still meet other hikers. But the more I read about how the weather could be bad and how I could be snowed in for a few days has me wondering if I should start in April. So my questions are:
1) If I start in late February how long will it take for things to start blooming? I dont mind hiking in winter woods for a little while but I also want to be out there to enjoy the warm weather and the beauty of the nature at its fullest.
2) How much of a crowd is there going to be if I start around April 1st-10th? I don't want to be at the end of the pack but I would also like to have room at hostels or shelters if I need them. I want to meet other hikers, I just don't want to be in the middle of a crowd.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.