Picking a start date is the next step in planning your route. As a general rule, you’ll want to start as early as reasonable for your trail, depending on your personal commitments and the snow year. But there’s a twist: For many long hikes like the AT, PCT, and CDT, your start date will be different depending on which direction you’re heading. Here are the factors to consider when picking a start date and hiking direction.

Personal Timing

Figure out what your time restrictions or obligations may be. These “real world” issues will be the first layer that dictates your start ti...