One of the advantages of doing a flip flop method is that if you start in the "middle", you can have TWO ending summits. ATC probably needs to promote that nugget, and even promote the summit end of Springer too, with perhaps a sign similar to Maine. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the great work Bigfoot.
love your videos...I've learned quite a bit. i have a question when are the bugs the worst in new hampshire and Maine? would like to schedule a flip flop around the bugs.
I have never seriously considered a flip flop; after the video I must admit I'm being tempted by the thought of Harpers to Katahdin then Harpers to Springer for the single reason of fewer hikers. However, I just don't think I could finish an epic 2,189 mile adventure anywhere other than Katahdin. Maybe Harpers to Springer first. I'll have to get with the buddy I'm going with to see what he thinks. Thanks for the food for thought.
+Birdman and Friends Outdoor Adventures if I was doing a Flip Flop I would start with Harper's to Springer and then jump back to Harper's and go North to finish. Especially if you want to avoid the overcrowding.
Follow Bigfoot Well I've had a night to think about it and sleep on it, and as Paul Harvey would say, here is "the rest of the story" : my innards confirm that I'm way too much of a "purist", old fashioned, traditional to actually try to plan and execute anything other than a point "A" to point "B" continuous adventure. So nobo it is! I'll just do a little more research regarding the best date to embark to avoid the larger bubbles.
+Birdman and Friends Outdoor Adventures Depending on how much time you are planning to take to finish will dictate when you will need to start. If you can avoid March, that's the biggest bubble. I left on April 23rd and I hit all the bubbles going North so it was hard to see what time frame had big gaps.
Follow Bigfoot Our original launch was going to be in April so I think we'll probably stick to that. I feel confident we'll have a 15 mile average; but I'm gonna shoot for 18 to 20 and see what happens. So, 4ish to 5 months is the target. Thanks again for helping me zero this in.
Because I live in NH and prefer camping in spring or fall (summer is too hot and too crowded) in Baxter State Park or the White Mountains I get to experience the black flies every year during May and June. Lucky me ! Bet that makes you jealous ! Also, just FYI there is no "Mount" Katahdin, it's just referred to as "Katahdin". That is the mountain range made up of Baxter Peak (highest point), Pamola, The Knife's Edge, South Basin, and the Great Basin, and may include (I'm not sure if they are included or not) Hamlin Peak, Howe Peak and the North Basin. It's a common misnomer to call Baxter Peak Mt. Katahdin when it actually the whole range that makes up Katahdin.
What do you think of a flip flop starting at Springer to Harpers Ferry and then flipping to Katadin and going south to Harpers Ferry? I live in Maryland about 2 hours away so I would end closest to home and I think about the beginning of fall.
If flip flopping, I think starting south of Shenandoah National Park heading north is the optimum choice. SNP is an easy hike that will enable you to hone your skills and routine.
I'm catching up on your older videos. I think the ATC is pushing for people to do flip flops and alternate hike plans due to all the recent publicity. I get that. It's getting crowded out there! With what you said here, maybe I should focus my trail magic further north than Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee in mid to late April this year?
There is a lot of Trail Magic in Georgia. The further North you get the less that It happens. I don't remember getting Trail Magic but once after New Jersey, or so I remember. I remember there being a good spot of Trail Magic at the South End of Roan Mountain before Hikers start their ascent.
South end of Roan Mountain. I like it! Thank you! When my daughter hiked the AT she said that it seemed as soon as she crossed that mason dixon line the trail magic kind of disappeared.
From their web page describing flip-flop options, the ATC links to a wonderful account written by a woman who did the Harper's Ferry flip-flop. She presents a wonderful perspective. Read it here: www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2015-flip-flopper-spice-article-in-atjourneys.pdf?sfvrsn=0
My flip flop plan right now for next year is to start in June and go north from Pawling, NY as suggested by the ATC. One major concern I have is one you mentioned...not yet having my trail legs for the Whites. However, I like all the other advantages the flip flop offers.
+BlessingOf Adventure Yes, Flip Flop is a great option. What is probably more important than trail legs as you head into the New England section is having experience hiking the first few states so you have some routines and good techniques to handle the Whites.
Sorry, this is so late, but.... I live in PA about 4 miles from the AT. We had planned to go PA to Springer and then fly up and do Katahdin to PA to finish. So after watching your video, how do we "register" for that kind of hike?
+Mike Burton Go to the ATC's website and choose flip flop from another location. Here is the link: www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/thru-hiking/voluntary-thru-hiker-registration
Great tips, thank uou. Seems more expensive to flip flop if you consider all the travel involved. Aside from that, you don't get the experience of the climactic finish.Maybe they'd get more flippers if they add a flipper summit.😁 what about nobody to HF the so o to HF? Would one get enough experience to master Mai e?
Question, if you are still actively replying to this video, if someone starts in Shenandoah, do they “check in” or register as an AT thru-hiker? I see most folks have tags on their bags. Can I get that at Shenandoah? Or is Harper’s better?
You can just register at the check in post that you past when you hike into Shenandoah. It’s costs nothing, just just fill out a piece of paper and drop on of the copies in the envelope slot and keep the other. Super easy
Thank you for sharing so much information about this. Would you have anything to say to someone to help getting over the idea that a Flip Flop “doesn’t count” , so they can stop being stubborn and do it? (The someone is me)
My fear would be in pennsyvania hear about loads of snakes I did sat a part in vermont claredon gorge awesom had a swing bridge but the hike on white blaze was very steep in vermont
Hi Bigfoot i know this is an older video but i am just seeing for the first time. I am considering doing a flip flop in 2021 starting in Harper's ferry and going north to Maine and then flopping back to Georgia and going north and finishing in Harper's ferry. I am very new to hiking, at 61 years old, although i have hiked the Maryland section and part of PA up Caledonia St Park. i was thinking of starting in early May and want to see what you though would be a good time to start and if you like the way I want to flip flop.
im so glad i saw this video. i was planning for 2018 southbound i was going to amtrak to the starting point katadin thinking april. but just found out june is their opening. then the difficult level u said too. im a novice it would of destroyed me. i live in new york. so its best to fly and to what airport in georgia. i want to go straight to spinger not the approach trail. just need written details if possible. see i knew i was following you for a reason. i am learning from your videos. kerp them coming . my name is lisa and im turning 48 years old next week. i have a year to get fit and money for this trip. the hard part quitting my job. im doing this trip for myself and to able to compkete something and dedicate this to my mom who passed away and my nephew a few years back. if u know anyone with a zpack or ula ultralight pack willing to sell give me a hollar. i have a cheap hiking pack for now. i will plan to go hammocking the at trail.
Hello Lisa, I am so glad the videos are helping. Super excited for your future journey on the A.T., the experience is nothing short of AMAZING. I met quite a few south bounders that got DESTROYED from starting in the North. I would highly recommend only the experienced start up there. As for flying into Georgia, there are a number of shuttles that will take you up to Springer. When it gets closer to the time for the 2018 Awol's guide to come out, I would order it and see what shuttles are currently running (some do change year to year). What I would do is go to Dahlonega, GA and staying at the Hostel there. I believe the next day they will run you right up the back way to Springer so its only a mile hike to get to the top instead of the 8.5 miles from Amicalola Falls. The other thing I recommend is getting on one of the 2018 AT Thru Hiker FaceBook groups. They are great for information sharing and asking questions. Another nice thing about it is you can post on there when you are arriving in Georgia and see if anyone else is arriving the same time and might be able to split a shuttle and save you some money. Best of fortunes on your journey!!!
I want to start south bound, been in the army (British) for 6 years, been based in Scotland, all our exercises are over the pentlands, I've climbed snowdon in wales no dramas, I've had loads of experience living out of a burgen on exercise in cold to below 0 conditions in Scotland & the Brecon Beacons in wales. I'm always humble on places I don't know so with this experience in mind would you say I'd be good to hike SOBO for my first thru hike or is it a different kind of thing. Appreciate someone who's had first hand experience of the route ✌🏻
"The design" of the trail never included Katahdin. It actually terminated much further south. This is a misconception that a lot of new hikers seem to spread without knowing. I never saw any sobo carrying 12 days of food thru the hundred, even back in the 90's, and mud wasn't that big a deal. It's a bigger deal in VT. I think if one hasn't actually thru hiked southbound their opinion is based off incomplete information. Conjecture.
+Follow Bigfoot. The information I shared about a SOBO is not from my experience going SOBO as I was a NOBO, but more on everything they told me. Many of the Thru-hikers were not ready to start that section. I just want to put some awareness around what I experienced as well as hearing/seeing what others did. Starting SOBO isn't for the inexperienced.
+Jack Pumkinhead Already done. All my videos I have made in the last 2 months have better audio. Recently I just upgraded my camera and mic. We should be good to now. The vids I put out in December had some bad audio so that was the first thing I invested to fixing
I love it that my state GA is the big eliminator ,lol. Our GA mtns are indeed a reality check for those not used to them .
Thank you for the inspiration to flip flop! My goal would be to avoid the crowds. Super helpful.
Such thing as going down hill?
One of the advantages of doing a flip flop method is that if you start in the "middle", you can have TWO ending summits. ATC probably needs to promote that nugget, and even promote the summit end of Springer too, with perhaps a sign similar to Maine. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the great work Bigfoot.
Thanks for this really detailed assessment. Gonna have to be SOBO for me, can't stand the thought of party animals!
love your videos...I've learned quite a bit. i have a question when are the bugs the worst in new hampshire and Maine? would like to schedule a flip flop around the bugs.
June is the absolute worst I hear. I was there in July and it was minimal
@@FollowBigfoot thanks for thei info
I have never seriously considered a flip flop; after the video I must admit I'm being tempted by the thought of Harpers to Katahdin then Harpers to Springer for the single reason of fewer hikers. However, I just don't think I could finish an epic 2,189 mile adventure anywhere other than Katahdin. Maybe Harpers to Springer first. I'll have to get with the buddy I'm going with to see what he thinks. Thanks for the food for thought.
+Birdman and Friends Outdoor Adventures if I was doing a Flip Flop I would start with Harper's to Springer and then jump back to Harper's and go North to finish. Especially if you want to avoid the overcrowding.
Follow Bigfoot I really like this option. It's sounds like the best of both worlds.
Follow Bigfoot Well I've had a night to think about it and sleep on it, and as Paul Harvey would say, here is "the rest of the story" : my innards confirm that I'm way too much of a "purist", old fashioned, traditional to actually try to plan and execute anything other than a point "A" to point "B" continuous adventure. So nobo it is! I'll just do a little more research regarding the best date to embark to avoid the larger bubbles.
+Birdman and Friends Outdoor Adventures Depending on how much time you are planning to take to finish will dictate when you will need to start. If you can avoid March, that's the biggest bubble. I left on April 23rd and I hit all the bubbles going North so it was hard to see what time frame had big gaps.
Follow Bigfoot Our original launch was going to be in April so I think we'll probably stick to that. I feel confident we'll have a 15 mile average; but I'm gonna shoot for 18 to 20 and see what happens. So, 4ish to 5 months is the target. Thanks again for helping me zero this in.
Because I live in NH and prefer camping in spring or fall (summer is too hot and too crowded) in Baxter State Park or the White Mountains I get to experience the black flies every year during May and June. Lucky me ! Bet that makes you jealous ! Also, just FYI there is no "Mount" Katahdin, it's just referred to as "Katahdin". That is the mountain range made up of Baxter Peak (highest point), Pamola, The Knife's Edge, South Basin, and the Great Basin, and may include (I'm not sure if they are included or not) Hamlin Peak, Howe Peak and the North Basin. It's a common misnomer to call Baxter Peak Mt. Katahdin when it actually the whole range that makes up Katahdin.
+deborah gracie Thanks for the 411 Deborah!!!
I have to refute the "no mount" part. I'm from maine, and we call it Mount Katahdin.
U hiked both north a south ?
I would think sobo would be best because you get the hardest part over with...I personally like that idea...Not a good idea?
What do you think of a flip flop starting at Springer to Harpers Ferry and then flipping to Katadin and going south to Harpers Ferry? I live in Maryland about 2 hours away so I would end closest to home and I think about the beginning of fall.
Thanks. Lots of good information. Thanks for sharing
If flip flopping, I think starting south of Shenandoah National Park heading north is the optimum choice. SNP is an easy hike that will enable you to hone your skills and routine.
I'm catching up on your older videos. I think the ATC is pushing for people to do flip flops and alternate hike plans due to all the recent publicity. I get that. It's getting crowded out there! With what you said here, maybe I should focus my trail magic further north than Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee in mid to late April this year?
There is a lot of Trail Magic in Georgia. The further North you get the less that It happens. I don't remember getting Trail Magic but once after New Jersey, or so I remember. I remember there being a good spot of Trail Magic at the South End of Roan Mountain before Hikers start their ascent.
South end of Roan Mountain. I like it! Thank you! When my daughter hiked the AT she said that it seemed as soon as she crossed that mason dixon line the trail magic kind of disappeared.
I would agree with our daughter. The only place that Trail Magic was abundant was New Jersey after I got into the "North"
From their web page describing flip-flop options, the ATC links to a wonderful account written by a woman who did the Harper's Ferry flip-flop. She presents a wonderful perspective. Read it here: www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2015-flip-flopper-spice-article-in-atjourneys.pdf?sfvrsn=0
My flip flop plan right now for next year is to start in June and go north from Pawling, NY as suggested by the ATC. One major concern I have is one you mentioned...not yet having my trail legs for the Whites. However, I like all the other advantages the flip flop offers.
+BlessingOf Adventure Yes, Flip Flop is a great option. What is probably more important than trail legs as you head into the New England section is having experience hiking the first few states so you have some routines and good techniques to handle the Whites.
That's smart thinking BOA.
Sorry, this is so late, but.... I live in PA about 4 miles from the AT. We had planned to go PA to Springer and then fly up and do Katahdin to PA to finish. So after watching your video, how do we "register" for that kind of hike?
+Mike Burton Go to the ATC's website and choose flip flop from another location. Here is the link:
www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/thru-hiking/voluntary-thru-hiker-registration
Great tips, thank uou. Seems more expensive to flip flop if you consider all the travel involved. Aside from that, you don't get the experience of the climactic finish.Maybe they'd get more flippers if they add a flipper summit.😁 what about nobody to HF the so o to HF? Would one get enough experience to master Mai e?
Question, if you are still actively replying to this video, if someone starts in Shenandoah, do they “check in” or register as an AT thru-hiker? I see most folks have tags on their bags. Can I get that at Shenandoah? Or is Harper’s better?
You can just register at the check in post that you past when you hike into Shenandoah. It’s costs nothing, just just fill out a piece of paper and drop on of the copies in the envelope slot and keep the other. Super easy
Follow Bigfoot whoa, dude. Quick reply. Thanks a ton!
Follow Bigfoot ...but will I get one of those sexy, sexy bag tags?
Thank you for sharing so much information about this. Would you have anything to say to someone to help getting over the idea that a Flip Flop “doesn’t count” , so they can stop being stubborn and do it? (The someone is me)
My fear would be in pennsyvania hear about loads of snakes I did sat a part in vermont claredon gorge awesom had a swing bridge but the hike on white blaze was very steep in vermont
Hi Bigfoot i know this is an older video but i am just seeing for the first time. I am considering doing a flip flop in 2021 starting in Harper's ferry and going north to Maine and then flopping back to Georgia and going north and finishing in Harper's ferry. I am very new to hiking, at 61 years old, although i have hiked the Maryland section and part of PA up Caledonia St Park. i was thinking of starting in early May and want to see what you though would be a good time to start and if you like the way I want to flip flop.
im so glad i saw this video. i was planning for 2018 southbound i was going to amtrak to the starting point katadin thinking april. but just found out june is their opening. then the difficult level u said too. im a novice it would of destroyed me. i live in new york. so its best to fly and to what airport in georgia. i want to go straight to spinger not the approach trail. just need written details if possible. see i knew i was following you for a reason. i am learning from your videos. kerp them coming . my name is lisa and im turning 48 years old next week. i have a year to get fit and money for this trip. the hard part quitting my job. im doing this trip for myself and to able to compkete something and dedicate this to my mom who passed away and my nephew a few years back. if u know anyone with a zpack or ula ultralight pack willing to sell give me a hollar. i have a cheap hiking pack for now. i will plan to go hammocking the at trail.
Hello Lisa, I am so glad the videos are helping. Super excited for your future journey on the A.T., the experience is nothing short of AMAZING.
I met quite a few south bounders that got DESTROYED from starting in the North. I would highly recommend only the experienced start up there.
As for flying into Georgia, there are a number of shuttles that will take you up to Springer. When it gets closer to the time for the 2018 Awol's guide to come out, I would order it and see what shuttles are currently running (some do change year to year). What I would do is go to Dahlonega, GA and staying at the Hostel there. I believe the next day they will run you right up the back way to Springer so its only a mile hike to get to the top instead of the 8.5 miles from Amicalola Falls.
The other thing I recommend is getting on one of the 2018 AT Thru Hiker FaceBook groups. They are great for information sharing and asking questions. Another nice thing about it is you can post on there when you are arriving in Georgia and see if anyone else is arriving the same time and might be able to split a shuttle and save you some money.
Best of fortunes on your journey!!!
I want to start south bound, been in the army (British) for 6 years, been based in Scotland, all our exercises are over the pentlands, I've climbed snowdon in wales no dramas, I've had loads of experience living out of a burgen on exercise in cold to below 0 conditions in Scotland & the Brecon Beacons in wales. I'm always humble on places I don't know so with this experience in mind would you say I'd be good to hike SOBO for my first thru hike or is it a different kind of thing. Appreciate someone who's had first hand experience of the route ✌🏻
what i thought about is springer to harpers ferry than katahdin back to harpers ferry. on a flip flop leaving somewhere between april 1st to the 10th.
"The design" of the trail never included Katahdin. It actually terminated much further south. This is a misconception that a lot of new hikers seem to spread without knowing.
I never saw any sobo carrying 12 days of food thru the hundred, even back in the 90's, and mud wasn't that big a deal. It's a bigger deal in VT. I think if one hasn't actually thru hiked southbound their opinion is based off incomplete information. Conjecture.
+kookiemoose I met quite a few SOBO's that carried 10+ days of food. Most of them had very little experience doing anything like this.
+Follow Bigfoot The mud when I went through wasn't bad, but it was very dry this year. Most SOBO's I passed seemed to think Maine was a mud pit.
+Follow Bigfoot. The information I shared about a SOBO is not from my experience going SOBO as I was a NOBO, but more on everything they told me. Many of the Thru-hikers were not ready to start that section. I just want to put some awareness around what I experienced as well as hearing/seeing what others did. Starting SOBO isn't for the inexperienced.
you sir need to get a good mic. i like your videos but they are hard to hear
+Jack Pumkinhead Already done. All my videos I have made in the last 2 months have better audio. Recently I just upgraded my camera and mic. We should be good to now. The vids I put out in December had some bad audio so that was the first thing I invested to fixing