Head-start: May
Harpers Ferry, W.Va., north to Katahdin; Harpers Ferry, W.Va., south to Springer Mountain.
Sample itinerary: Start in Harpers Ferry first half of May, reach Katahdin second half of August; return to Harpers Ferry after Labor Day; finish at Springer Mountain the second half of November.
- Start in easiest part of the Trail that very gradually gets more difficult.
- When you start do not expect to keep pace right away with thru-hikers who started in Georgia.
- Start in mild, pleasant weather.
- Start amidst spring wildflowers and walk north with spring.
- Hike through the mid-Atlantic before it gets hot, humid and water sources become scarce.
- If you start earlier than May, plan to reach Vermont after mud season ends (about June 1).
- Reach the White Mountains in July, before the peak crowds.
- Reach Maine in August, when black flies are gone (but expect crowds the last hundred miles of Maine).
- Plenty of time to reach Katahdin before it closes.
- Walk south with fall colors on the second half of your hike.
- Companionship with early northbounders the first half, then finish the Trail with early southbounders.
- Be prepared for hunting season in the South.
- Be prepared for cold weather and the possibility of snow in November.