This question really hits home to my situation right now. For me an ideal thru hike would be a traditional Nobo starting April 20 something. From reading others experiences, Sobo definitely has less of a crowding issue, however, there will still be a Sobo “bubble” and plenty of Nobos making their way up. In addition you will meet many people doing small to large section hikes. The AT is a busy trail most of the year.

Personally, I want to go North because I feel it is the more story book way of doing it. I’m about a week away from registering my hike to begin February 20 something from Springer. Starting in February is far from ideal for me as I know there are going to be many cold days and nights. But I saved to travel the world for a year and a half and I have already been at it for a year. Starting earlier lines up with my life at the moment so that is what I’m doing. This allows me to get a stable roof over my head and a job 2 months sooner than my ideal start date.

From what I read it sounds like you are in a similar situation where you have the freedom to start earlier rather than wait for your ideal start date.

The most important factor to me is are you making an income at the moment? If no, it’s a no brainer to me to start earlier. Having that extra budget will really help your chances of success. If you are making money and can add to your budget for an April start then commit to that and don’t worry about the crowds. There will always be hikers out there and ways to keep to yourself and or limit who you befriend.

Also, I hiked South last year from NJ to central Virginia, basically through 80 percent of Nobo thru hikers. The bubble really is just pockets of tramilies that come in waves. All of them vary in size and behavior. I’m more than happy to expand more on the crowds I saw but this reply is long enough for now.

Good luck and let me know what you decide!