Considering taking a gap year to hike the AT before starting grad school
Hi everyone, I (20F) am about to enter my senior year of college and will be graduating in May 2027. Me and my mom's lifelong dream has been to hike the AT together. However, the only time that we would be able to do it is either if I took a gap year before starting grad school (start in May 2027 after graduating, finish by October and start grad school that next Fall) or if we did the trail after I get my masters (start in may 2029 or spring 2030 if we wanted to start the trail earlier).
I have the time and resources to afford to take a gap year and I'm just thinking the sooner the better. I'm curious if anyone has had experience with taking a post-undergrad gap year to hike the AT and what were the drawbacks, benefits, etc., especially when it comes to starting in May vs earlier in the year. I'd love to know for those who started in May if you did SOBO/NOBO/flip flop etc. and what the weather conditions, timing/pacing, etc were like!! Thanks!!!