Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers

The Appalachian Trail as it crosses Round Bald near Carver's Gap, outside of Roan Mountain, TN.

About 3,500 people attempt to hike the entire 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail each year -- ninety percent of them start their journey from the Southern terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia. They're called NOBOs -- or North-Bounders. Those who begin on Mt. Katahdin in Maine are called SOBOs. Less than ten percent of those who start, complete the trail (around 300 each year). The entire trail takes five or six months to complete, which averages out to about 10 to 15 miles per day. Because of the time it takes to hike the entire trail, the typical start date is March 15th -- but some begin in early March in order to beat the crowds and to ensure that they'll reach Maine before the wintry weather arrives in late September. They also begin hoping that the scene above, as beautiful as it was last week, will have given way to more temperate spring weather in the Southern Appalachians. Click here, here and here for more information on the Appalachian Trail.

This is my last post of the recent snow up on Roan Mountain. I'm really thankful I was able to experience this winter wonderland on such a perfect day. But now that I've got plenty of winter pics, I'm ready for spring!