I have a few questions about a section hike through SNP. My plan is to hike from the Front Royal entrance 105 miles south to Rockfish Gap. I will start on June 14 and am planning to finish by June 21 (7 full days, averaging ~15 miles per day roughly following in reverse http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisi...r_day_E102.pdf).
TRAILS
The SNP website says to avoid the AT there in June because it will be packed with thru-hikers. So my question is: how crowded is it? And what's that like when you're hiking against the crowd going south? Does that make it feel even more crowded because you're passing everyone? I actually like the fact that I won't be so isolated because this is my first solo trip over 3 nights and only my second week-long trip.
CAMPING
How do the crowds affect camping? I definitely prefer not to hear other campers while I am falling asleep or waking me up. I would enjoy sharing a campfire with others, though. I am planning on using a hammock, which I assume will help the situation.
ALTERNATIVES
I would also consider options like hiking Northbound or doing a long loop through some of the park's side trails or really a different park entirely-- so long as I can get a shuttle there from Washginton DC [where I'll be for a wedding] and back to an airport if anyone has any recommendations.
Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you!