Hike your own hike (HYOH) is something you hear quite often from hikers. I will cover three methods used to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (AT). There are other ways to hike the AT but here I will elaborate on the three methods that I believe are the most popular ways to thru-hike the AT.
First, thru-hikers can start their hike anywhere along the AT that they choose. The most popular method is starting at Springer Mountain Georgia and ending at Mount Katahdin, Maine. These hikers are known as North Bounders (NOBO). Other hikers choose to start at Mount Katahdin ending at Springer Mountain in Georgia. They are known as South Bounders (SOBO). The third method is known as a flip-flop, starting somewhere in the middle, hiking north, after completing the north section they find transportion to their starting point and then head south. They are known as flip-floppers. Which ever method is chosen there still are 2190 miles to cover.
The most popular method chosen is NOBO, stating at Springer Mountain. As of 2024, 80% of thru-hikers decide to NOBO. Hikers start their journey on a date that will allow them to reach Mount Katahdin by mid October. Baxter State Park ,where Katahdin is located, closes at this time due to possible hazardous weather conditions. Most hikers give themselves 5 to 6 months to complete the 2190 miles. Late March and April will see the highest rates of starts for NOBO. There are those who start earlier, but they have to be prepared for extreme cold weather in the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. Also, there are those who start later, but the late start puts them in a position of not arriving at Katahdin on time. Start dates depend on the miles that will be cover each day and also how much time that is spent in the trail towns (HYOH). There are those who start with low mileage days until the trail gets them ready for higher mileage. Experienced hikers start with higher mileage due to being in hiking shape. Everyone hikes the mileage that they feel comfortable with (HYOH). The main objective is to keep moving forward at whatever speed is necessary to reach your goal.
Thru-hikers who choose to start at Mount Katahdin and finish in Georgia are known as South Bounders (SOBO). This method will help avoid the crowds and offers a more peaceful and solitary experience. A southbound hike means that you will avoid the freezing weather in Georgia and North Carolina that the NOBO will experience . Hikers starting in the north usually depart in June or July. Starting in the north can be rough for those who have little hiking experience. The beginning of a SOBO hike passes through some of the most difficult terrain on the AT. SOBO hikers usually finish from November to earl January, they do experience some cold weather in the Smoky Mountains in the fall.
I met a SOBO on top of Blood Mountain Georgia on October 3 of last year. He started on June 6 from Maine. At the time I spoke with him he was only 28 miles from completing his thru hike. He would be at the end on October 5, do the math, that’s 4 months. Incredible! He did high mileage everyday and had short stays at hostels and towns along the trail (HYOH). I met six other SOBO in early November, two of them were about 36 miles from the finish and the other 4 were within 30 miles of being done with the 2190 miles trip. Needless to say they were all very excited about finishing their journey. Way to go guy and gals.
The third way to hike the AT is called a flip-flop. This is the method I have chosen for my thru-hike. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) officially formalized Flip- Flops around 2015 by starting the Flip Flop Fest in Harper’s Ferry which is the unofficial halfway point. Harper’s Ferry is also the home of the ATC. This year the Fest will be held April 24 thru 26 and I will be there. The ATC significantly ramped up promotion in the mid-2010s to address extreme overcrowding of the trail caused by the increase in NOBo hikers. It is not required to begin your Flip Flop at Harper’s Ferry and the start date can be whatever time that fits the hiker’s schedule. It is recommended to start your Flip Flop in April or May. Hikers hike to Katahdin and find transportation back to their starting point and then head south. Advantages of a Flip Flip are the ability to start in Spring as the weather will be warmer, also starting in the mid-Atlantic states area allows for easier trail conditions at the start. Avoiding the crowd is another big plus of a Flip Flop hike, there will be more availability at campsites, hostels and town motels. Most Flip Floppers plan for about 3 months for each section.
The method chosen to thru-hike the AT depends on a lot of different factors. Whatever you chose, just Hike Your Own Hike.
Palms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the works of His hands.
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