Hi all,
Since I’ll graduate next year, I am currently playing with the thought of doing a thru-hike before entering the serious 2/3 of life. A realistic start date that gives me enough time to write up my thesis etc. is late June/early July next year which would mean a SOBO AT which is fine by me b/c I’d like to avoid the crowd. I know about the additional challenges (most difficult part up front, bug-hell and challenging stream crossings in the beginning and possible cold weather in the end) but I think I can manage that. The idea would be for me to get in good shape before and carry a light pack so that I can quickly hike big(-ish) miles in order to finish within 120 days or so.
So far so good, but I have some pretty basic questions. Assuming a July 1st start and ~120 days, what do I have to expect climate-wise? Where will it be warm/cold what are prospective day- and nighttime temps in the different states/regions when I get there? On which stretch of the trail will the mosquitos be bad (as in: Mosquito-proof clothing and dedicated inner tent needed)?
Right now, it’s really difficult for me to visualize the hike due to this pretty basic lack of information. What I do know is that it rains a lot (which – being German – I’m used to) and that it tends to be cold-ish up north and really could down south, depending on when you get there. Any additional info is greatly appreciated!
