Any flip-floppers out there?

[Macabe96]

I was looking to start heading to Katahdin from the PA/MD line sometime that last week in March/first week in April. Anyone else out there have similar plans?

[George]

crappy conditions for that section of the trail at that time

[Odd Man Out]

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiki...where-to-start

The ATC web site has some suggested flip flop itineraries. You seem to suggest what they call the "Head Start", but for starting in MD, they suggest a May head start. For March, they suggest starting further south.

[colorado_rob]

I plan on heading north from Front royal in early April, maybe the 10th, so I'll be at the PA/MD line about 6 days later. Can you clarify what you mean by "crappy conditions" George? I expect plenty of rain. Anything else besides the mud that comes with rain? Cold doesn't bother me at all. I suppose there could be a freak snow shower, again, no issue.

[Macabe96]

+1 for further explanation. Yes, it will be a chilly start...but no worse than starting in the south at the same time. Yes, there prob will be the occasional snow storm. I did a 100 mile section last year around that same area and encountered a storm that dumped anywhere from 8-12 inches on us. We were fine. I think mostly these "crappy conditions" you refer to have a lot to do with your mind set.

[takethisbread]

I was looking to start heading to Katahdin from the PA/MD line sometime that last week in March/first week in April. Anyone else out there have similar plans?

take your time. the reason it's a bad time is that u will arrive in northern New England possibly too early. mud, snow, black flies will spoil it. I think June 1 might be a better start time from that spot, or flip flop from say damascus . but to each their own.


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[colorado_rob]

Thanks for the info on conditions, I might just delay my start a couple weeks (late in April vs. early April)

[Whichway]

I'm planning a mid to late April start from Waynesboro,VA. NOBO, then flopping back to do the SOBO. Seems smart to do the easy sections first then finish the tough sections strong! Besides I live in PA and it works out well to hike for a few weeks then evaluate gear close to home. April in PA. is not pretty, unless it is a nice warm early spring. See you out there, maybe!

[Toon]

Starting north of hotsprings early may to hit trail days ontime then coming back to hotsprings and going south

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[max patch]

April 1-15 is the best time to start a NOBO from Springer. No "hiking" reason to flip if starting in that time frame.