I'm planning on thru-hiking the AT starting in mid-March. My family/girlfriend are worried that I'll be the only person on the trail for 50 miles in any direction. Does anyone have any suggestions on connecting with a person (or group) of people to hike with? (I'm in NYC, if it matters). Is it even necessary to coordinate before hand, or will there be enough people on the trail at that time that finding a group to hike with should not be a concern?

Im planning on beginning the trail around that same timeframe.. are you beginning in Maine or GA? Ill be heading northboud from GA.. and you will meet all kinds of people along the trail.. at shelters and along the way you will meet hundreds of hikers of all ages.. so dont worry about being alone..

Wife and I started our hike (north bound) the end of March 06. Not 1 day out of our complete hike did we not see at least 1 other hiker or more. I assure you there will be plenty of company unless the numbers are exceedingly low this year. Several million people use the AT in some way, shape or form each year. I wish you well on your hike.