Where to start on the AT

[Alligator]

When you thru-hike do you have to hike the 8 miles At Amicalola Falls State Park to the trailhead of the AT to be considered a thru-hike? Or can you just go to the trailhead and start?

You can start from wherever you like on the AT, which ranges between Katahdin and Springer Mountain. If you can't finish it in 12 months, you can finish it later and still be a 2000-miler. Enjoy your journey.