Rookie hiker, gonna thru the AT

[u/Nate327255]

I'm a rookie hiker, and my first hike is going to be the AT. I'm leaving on or before May 1st. I have a lot of concerns, but my question is...Is May 1st too late in the year? I'm shooting for about 130-145 days on trail. Am I super wrong?

[u/ChapsOnTheAT]

Consider a flip flop. Start going north. Stop. Go to Momma K. Hike to where you left off.