SOBO

What is a SOBO hike?

SOBO (SO-bow) n, adj, adv.

1. a way to hike a long trail by starting at the north end, then hiking continuously southbound until completed

Caboose is SOBO and needs vitamin I.

Herbert began hiking the Appalachian Trail at Mt Katahdin Maine, needs ibuprofen, and will hike continuously southbound until finishing at Springer Mt Georgia.

Other ways to hike the Appalachian Trail:

NOBO

Start at the southern end at Springer Mt Georgia, then hike northbound continuously to Mt Katahdin Maine.

FLIP-FLOP

Start anywhere, hike northbound to Mt Katahdin Maine, commute back to your start, then hike southbound to Springer Mt Georgia.

LASH

Hike the whole trail, in any order, in long ass section hikes.

Springer Mt Georgia can be accessed year-round.

Pros/Cons of a SOBO Hike:

PROS

It's the pure end-to-end thru-hike.
If you prefer to do so, you'll likely be on your own most of the time.
You would complete the most difficult part right away.

CONS

At times, even if you'd prefer not to, you may be by yourself for a while.
Many hiker hostels, shuttles, and resupply have closed for the season.
The weather is what it is. It'll likely be cold in the beginning, then a bit sweaty in the middle, then cold again at the end.