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What is SoBo?

Published in Appalachian Trail Lingo 1 min read

SoBo is a term commonly used by hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) to refer to those hiking southbound.

Understanding NoBo and SoBo on the Appalachian Trail

On the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, hikers often use shorthand to describe their direction of travel. Two key terms have emerged for this purpose:

  • NoBo: This signifies "northbound," indicating hikers traveling from Georgia (Springer Mountain) toward Maine (Mount Katahdin).

  • SoBo: This signifies "southbound," indicating hikers traveling from Maine (Mount Katahdin) toward Georgia (Springer Mountain).

These terms, often seen in trail registers and online forums, help hikers quickly understand each other's journeys and experiences on the AT. You might see them written as NoBo, NOBO, SoBo, or SOBO.