July and August can be too hot for comfortable backpacking in much of the mid-Atlantic and South, although above five and six thousand feet the temperatures are often pleasant. High temperatures often linger sporadically into September. Leaving Springer in March or early April you will find viewpoints, shelters and campsites crowded, and opportunities for privacy and solitude are substantially reduced. An average of more than 35 thru-hikers a day leave Springer between March 1 and April 1. Georgia especially is crowded, before the attrition process takes its toll.
Crowded conditions continue well into Virginia.
You can avoid these conditions by following any one of the sample itineraries. While too many people on the Trail may detract from your experience, so can loneliness. Almost all people find they enjoy their experience more if they have someone with whom they can share both hardships and joys. It also can help to have other thru-hikers around who can encourage you to stick it out when you get bored or discouraged and feel like quitting. For this reason, disadvantages of an alternative hike include psychological factors and logistics.