I just wanted to see if there are any 2019 thru hikers out there that intend to start in GA after April 15 to avoid the crowds? I may be out the the week of April 14-20, and may run into you.
I just wanted to see if there are any 2019 thru hikers out there that intend to start in GA after April 15 to avoid the crowds? I may be out the the week of April 14-20, and may run into you.
I started April 13th last year and there were still 15-25 people starting each day that week. Not quite the zoo of mid-March, but plenty of company! I originally registered for the 16th (my birthday) but chose the 13th instead because there were only 8 people registered with ATC to start that day. Definitely more than 8 out there, but still never had an issue finding tent sites or shelter space. Mountain Crossings was full when I got there two days later, but still with room to tent out back.
I strongly recommend a mid-April start. Always company when I wanted it, but solitude when I wanted that too. Inevitably hot in the mid-Atlantic, but absolutely heavenly fall foliage in Maine for the finish. Enjoy it!
A.T. 2018 Thru-hiker
Follow along at www.tefltrekker.com
I remember when April 15th was the norm.
Now it's the exception.
I started May 9th one year.
Was great.
Don't let your fears stand in the way of your dreams
You will have plenty of company.
Will likely start last week of April. Prior years I've been flipping from Harper's Ferry and north, and there got to be quite a few hikers doing the same. I like company but also a little solitude is good. Good luck out there!
Simple is good.