>>926093Regarding the AT: first of all, you start in early Spring in Georgia, then work your way up so that you reach Maine in early Fall. Your deadline to reach the terminus at Mt. Katahdin is basically October 15, after which Baxter State Park is closed from dusk 'till dawn.
The last 100 miles of the trail, starting in the town of Monson ME, are usually considered the most challenging, as they traverse what can only be described as the middle of nowhere, even by AT standards. You will need to have 10 days worth of supplies going into it.
It also goes without saying that, while it may be possible to do section hikes without external support, for a thru-hike you're going to need at least one other person to send you supplies. Usually this is done by having boxes sent to post offices along the route by general delivery. Instructions for this are at
http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub28/28c2_033.htm and
http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/508.htm#ep1052038If you need assistance, additional supplies, or even just a ride into town at any point along the New Jersey section of the trail, I'd be willing to provide it so long as you let me know in advance.
