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Why Start the Appalachian Trail in February?
Hello! My name is Stick the Eagle and I am currently attempting a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2024. I am traveling NOBO from Georgia to Maine. I have chosen to start my thru hike journey in February. Historically, March through April are the most popular months to start the journey, primarily because this is when the weather turns milder. In recent years, however, more hikers are choosing to start earlier, in February or even in January. A few of my reasons are very common reasons among hikers, and a couple are unique to me. Before we start, I should mention that this article assumes a northbound journey. Starting in February from Katahdin is a whole different ballgame.
Time
The primary reason that I choose to leave in February is because I want to have enough time to finish the trail before my summer job starts in late June. In the summer, I work at a Scout camp as their climbing director, and I think that they are counting on me coming back for 2024. Plus, I enjoy every moment of the summer, so I would never want to miss it. It means a lot to me to be able to have an impact on the lives of the young people in our country. As staff, we give voice and validation to their stories. And we do much more than that which I won’t get into because this is not an article about camp. The point is that I am not missing these two months. I recognize that this puts me on a fast pace that I may not be able to keep, and I certainly do not intend to rush by the scenery without enjoying it. But by starting early, I will still have time to go back to finish in late August and September if I need to. So I do not need to rush to keep up with a blustery pace all spring if it is not working out. I might hike all the miles that way, but I would miss half the trail.
I am certainly not alone in starting early to have more time. While I may be unique in needing two very specific months off trail, others need some time off for weddings or other big family events. Some budget extra time for healing from potential injuries that could occur on trail. And still others purposely will move slow, using all the time from February to September to thoroughly take in every moment. Whatever the reason for extra time might be, starting in February means you will not have to rush to beat the snows at Katahdin in mid fall. Who wants to rush? (Unless you are trying to set a FKT and in that case, you likely will not wait until you are trying to beat the snow)
Cold
Cold is a reason for starting early? Many people try to avoid hiking in the cold and wait to start until the danger of cold has passed. To that, I would first warn those individuals that starting in late April or May to avoid cold will not help you avoid cold in September in New Hampshire and Maine, unless you are a very fast hiker. I like the idea of starting cold better than finishing cold, especially knowing that I will have rivers to ford in Maine that will cause me to be wet. But secondly, I actually prefer hiking up and down mountains in mildly cold weather. The cold air helps me cool off quicker during the hard climbs, and I can manage my layers pretty well depending on how hot or cold I feel at the time (remember, sweating is dangerous because it makes you wet, and wet and cold do not mix well). As long as I have a warm sleep system, the cold should not bother me too much. I have heard many stories (and read them too) about how hot and humid the mid-Atlantic states are during a thru hike. Well, they are not bad if you are reaching them in April or May. If you think that sounds pretty good, also think about how you will not really deal with bugs until late May or June, three months into your hike.
Solitude
Starting before March and April keeps me ahead of the majority of thru hikers. There are a few reasons why I like this. First, there is the simple fact that it will be easier to find room at shelters, and less overcrowding. If that does not matter to you because you do not plan on using shelters, think about how much better the conditions of privy’s might be before the big bubble comes through. And if that still does not matter to you, better resupply options at hostels and grocery stores near the trail that have not been picked over may encourage you. It’s not that I don’t want to be a part of the community. I do. But sometimes, especially in Georgia before the bubble thins out, it can be too crowded.
I also want to say a word about solitude. I made the decision to hike partly to give myself time to be alone with my thoughts and renew myself spiritually. I want some time alone in the woods to journal and just take in the scenery. I want to sit on a log or a rock on trail and just be there for awhile. I don’t mind a hiker coming by and passing me, but I will not find what I am looking for if it feels like Pennsylvania Avenue.
Views
Did you know that you can see a lot more views between the trees before the green tunnel sets in for the season? Before there are leaves and underbrush everywhere (late winter and early spring) you will be able to see a lot farther around you during more chunks of the trail. For me, that is enticing. I will appreciate the beauty of the landscape even more, and I am significantly less likely to have as many boring days with no views. I have watched enough hiker vlogs to know that this is a thing.
Water
My last reason for beginning the trail in February is to optimise my water sources. Some who have hiked in January have encountered frozen water sources. Naturally the larger and faster flowing water sources will take hard freezes in order to freeze over, but it can happen in January. By February, most highs get above freezing to thaw any ice enough to get water, and I will follow similar conditions north as I move up the trail. I think January is too early. With it, it also has the potential to bring life threatening blizzards if you are not prepared. So to me, February is the best month of all months to begin the trail.
What do you think? Did I miss any good reasons? Do you want to talk about the cons, such as snowmelt leading to more mud and deeper river crossings? Add your comments and let’s keep the conversation going. Also, feel free to follow my vlogging channel on YouTube @sticktheeagle or my Instagram by the same handle. Remember to embrace the journey, and happy trails!
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Comments 21
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for the beautifully written prose on why to start early. My dog and I are starting from Amicalola Lodge February 1st. This will be my first quest and I am looking forward to it.
Thank you
Kimberley
Don’t have a given trail name yet.
Have a great hike! Maybe see you out there. I am sure you will have the opportunity to acquire a trail name on trail if you do not choose one ahead of time.
Ms Mann-Day what will you and Pup do when entering local/state/federal properties that enforce anti-Pup laws and regulations?
Howdy,are you going to blog through the trek ? I believe your dog could be considered an emotional support? Check with the AT first. Make it an enjoyable experience 😀
This format is a great way to encourage people to “come along” on the trip with you. I will look forward to your insights and observations. I am a volunteer AT maintainer, with our group (PATH) caring for 70 miles of the AT near Wytheville, Virginia. During our work trips, we enjoy listening to the thru-hikers as they come through.
Thank you for your volunteer work! As a day hiker through the years, I have loved talking to thru hikers about their experiences. I keep learning along the way. I look forward to sharing on this platform.
Stick, sounds like you got it it figured out. I started the AT in February also for many of the same reasons. It’s funny how thru hikers have all these ideas and plans and then the AT brings the reality to your story. Unfortunately the AT will never be your friend. More like a grumpy grandfather that once in a while will allow you to see the the inner soul and beauty of its historical existence. Good luck my friend, Hike On.
Thanks for the info on the AT. My starting date is April 5th and I’m an avid hiker here in Colorado. My only concern is getting my thetrek.co blog set up, since I’m 66 years old and have had brain surgery for epilepsy 8 years ago. Now I’m seizure free and hike daily up to 10+ miles. Will be going to the local library for assistance on setting up my blog in a couple hours. My situation is that I’m moving everything I have to a destination still to be decided closer to the AT. This has been a lifetime goal and I’m up to it. I will look forward to reading more of your ideas and advice. But for now, I’m just getting ready to head east by the start of March, stopping at friends homes on the way. I wish you the best in your endeavors. On my FB and IG posts, I refer to myself as Hiking Mike.
Nice april 5th .y BD. I have done section hikes 5 times AT. Yes i do agree Brian early start though cold. Unfortunately i missed my fall hikes two years in a row. I ll be 61 4.5.24 Really need the comfort and peace of the trail..not a bubble guy. My equipment is older. One night on Springer this old rich guy with obvious all new stuff seen my set up.and said: i guess it does pay to have money.
Yep is bothers me seeing all these one timers.
In old days people were not like that. Or un professional hikers stayed away. It really upsets me to see flipfloppers. I couldn’t believe a dude in flip flops was trying to go up backside of the falls.
I tried to warn him, but he didnt undetstand me.
No english.. So in conclusion i would miss the bubble at all cost. Too many people are ruining the trail.. Truly i wish you the best. NOD.
hey please check out: nodkcrotsmusic youtube.
I was think end of march but reading you adventure i may leave mid feb. Thanks.
Oh i have been packed two years now.
I am ready.. So is my wife..lol lol lol…
I’ve hiked in January and February. I think people don’t understand the difficulty of hiking in winter because of the short daylight hours. You may be hiking in the dark in order to get your miles in.
bamboo bob
You are right that I may have to hike in the dark. But honestly, I do enjoy a bit of night hiking. I will probably do more of my night hiking in the early morning rather than the night time, but we shall see!
Nobo last year until I got Franconia notch white MTS June 8 and hit Brutal weather conditions from mount Moosilauke on and snow and ice on White MT summits up till June 20 and up turning around and when SOBO and the hikers that push on to Maine were the whole month of June it rain every day but one day .and the month of July was not much better . But hay …..every one has to hike there own hiker ….but for I me I would never leave the earliest March 1 st ….. the White MTS are very formidable even on a good weather day ….. good luck ….and Mount Moosalukei kick my ass royally June 4 2023 and good luck again and may you have a good hike
The White Mountains can be so different one day to the next in May and June! I will hope for good conditions but we shall find out what challenges lie ahead for me. Hopefully I can move through them. Thanks for your well wishes!
I have always wanted to hike the AT but do to physical conditions I believe that would be almost impossibile. I have hiked the AT in East Tennesse along Roane Mountain. What do recommend for a person with cerebral palsy? Does the AT have any special hikes for individuals that are physical handicapped? Enjoy your hike of the AT and please stay in touch..
Have a great hike Bryan. Im 68 and notice that I donut do as well in the cold as i use to. Do you see any older hikers and if so how are they doing?
Thanks
Mark
There are many older hikers. The oldest hiker to hike the AT was in his 80s, I believe. There have also been blind thru hikers. Anything is possible. You may just have to train for it, getting your body used to that kind of challenge. But if you have something that you would love to do, try it. Have an escape or rescue plan like carrying a Garmin, if that brings extra peace of mind regarding safety.
Nice post, Stick the Eagle. Thanks for working at a Scout Camp during the summer, the young men and women are lucky to have you! My wife and I are starting a flip flop in late March at MacAfee Knob, hopefully we will see you on the trail. Both my boys are Eagle Scouts, thanks to people like you that cheerfully serve!
Have a great hike! I’ll enjoy following you on your trek!
Stick,
Best of luck. I started on January 30th back in 2018 and finished June 23rd. Just get hiking by sun up and you will be fine. I was 49 and only hiked once in the dark. It’s 80% mental. You have youth an enthusiasm on your side. Pulling for you.
Good Evening Bryan,
I look forward to tracking with you on your journey. I envy you.
My age, location, and other factors will prohibit me from ever doing this.
But I can vicariously do this as I watch and make the trek by email and look at your pictures.
May you encounter God our Father at every turn.
Praying for you.
Glenn
Cons: 1) Weather and short days in N. Georgia and Smokey Mts., 2) Complete disregard for GMC request that hikers stay off trails during mud season in Vermont (until Memorial Day), 3) Snow in White Mountains in June, 4) High water, black flies and mosquitos in Maine in June.