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SOBO

What is a SOBO?

SOBO is hiking terminology that stands for "Southbound," referring to a hiker who is traveling from north to south on a long-distance trail. This term is commonly used on major trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail to describe the direction of a thru-hiker's journey. SOBO hikers typically start their trek in late spring or early summer from the northern terminus and hike toward the southern endpoint, experiencing different weather patterns and seasonal changes compared to northbound (NOBO) hikers.

Related Terms

NOBO

A NOBO (northbounder) is a hiker who travels from south to north on a long-distance trail, particularly on major trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or Continental Divide Trail. This directional terminology helps identify a hiker's planned route and timing, as NOBOs typically start their thru-hikes in spring at the southern terminus to follow favorable weather patterns northward. The term is commonly used in trail communities and logistics planning, with NOBOs often forming informal groups or "trail families" as they encounter other hikers traveling in the same direction at similar paces.