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if you were thinking of starting in Georgia at Springer, then it definitely be fun to start off with all the other prospective thru-hikers of the year. the rush of people starts mid-March and ends the second week of April. Georgia and North Carolina are difficult sections (in the sense of exhausting), but you'll get some decent views because there won't be any foliage on the trees yet. weather-wise, you may very well have warm days (perfect for hiking, really) but definitely be prepared for nights down to 20 degrees.

but really, it all depends on what you're looking to get out of the hike. if you want to have a social hike, then there's no better place than starting at Springer. it's a kick to be around people who are so scared, nervous and excited about their next 2,000+ miles. good chance you'll come out of it wanting to hike the whole thing one day.

if you decide to start in Georgia, i couldn't recommend the Hiker Hostel more highly. i've stayed there twice and had a wonderful time. the owners can pick you up from the airport or bus station if needs be, and also drive you to Springer if you want to skip the Approach Trail. they have a beautiful home and are a wonderful couple. then make sure whatever town you decide to stop in has bus service. the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC, wouldn't be a bad place to stop.

as far as the distance you can hike, be careful not to overestimate. i carried a 9 mile per day average through the beginning section when you add in rest days (and i took a good many), but 16-17 miles usually constituted a full day of hiking. i wasn't in a big hurry, plus the sun going down early means you camp early.

if you're looking for views, then there are better places along the AT. Roan Mountain/Grayson Highlands was my second-favourite stretch along the way, after the White Mountains in New Hampshire (can't bring your dog there, plus not exactly hikeable this early in the season).

no offense or anything, but the PA section of the AT isn't anything special--either flat and mostly dull or annoyingly rocky.

dogs are usually welcomed by other hikers along the way provided it doesn't bark at all during the night and is very friendly. but please please please make sure it's warm and that you are attuned to its needs. i'm generally opposed to long hikes with dogs only because it reminds me of dogs that i've seen mistreated along the Trail.

don't know what else to add in your short bit of information. whiteblaze.net is the best website for anything related to the Trail. otherwise you're welcome to PM me for any other questions. all the best and welcome to the Appalachian Trail community!

It's great that your schedule is flexible. Many thru hikers leave Springer Mtn. Georgia, the trail's current official beginning, in March, in order to reach Maine by October. If you wait until March to leave and you're heading northbound (nobo), you'll have some company on the trail.

Since your schedule is flexible, and you're hiking a section instead of the entire trail, you can take your pick of sections. Personally, I'd begin at the beginning, head northbound, see how far I could get in 3 weeks, and end there. Be sure you have the proper gear. It's been a tough winter.

You may also want to do a section nearer your home in Pennsylvania. Here is a website for AT enthusiasts, that I'm sure you'll find helpful. Lots of great info here.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/index.php

If you're a beginner, be sure to do some practice hikes with all your gear before hitting the long trail. Also, I'd leave the dog at home with a sitter. Maybe after you have more backpacking experience consider bringing along the pooch. Remember, if you bring a dog on the trail, you also have to bring their food and water. Dogs also occasionally sustain injury on the trail. I'd hate to have to carry my dog *and* my pack because the dog had an injured/cut foot.

If you're in Pittsburgh (I am too), why start in Georgia? You can drive out the turnpike and then Route 30 to where the AT crosses north near Caledonia State Park in the Michaux State Forest. Start from there in late Spring and head north towards Maine. Only having 2 or 3 weeks, you are only going to cover 150 to 300 miles, depending on your fitness and the weather conditions. As a beginner, you should keep your first section attempt fairly close to home and in a familiar area that is not terribly remote in case you have problems.

How to Hike the Appalachian Trail: The Nitty-Gritty Details of a Long-Distance Trek, Michelle Ray, download Kindle for PC at Amazon Kindle books. If you are going to be in Colorado, download Greatest Hikes in Central Colorado: Summit and Eagle Counties.

As I understand, the most difficult segment is Katahdin in Maine, the normal end of the trail. This is the only section I have hiked and I took my 8 year old to the top of that! You should be able to handle any segment you wish.

If you're going to do a section hike I suggest you start in Virginia because it's well known for having amazing scenery and being relatively easy.

Then start there, it's a good choice. Join the groups first heading out come spring. Get your self some good guide books

http://www.rei.com/product/775832

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF...

http://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm

http://www.appalachiantrail.com/

http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html

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