I reserved a lean-to in Baxter State Spark, at Chimney Pond for the night of June 22. I plan on taking the Dudley Trail to Pamola, then the Knife’s Edge to Baxter Peak.I want to summit around sunrise, as I do not have another night in the park, and I have to go like another 20miles to Hurd Brook Lean-to.
Has anyone talken this route before? How long did it take you to get up Pamola, and across the K.E.?
Stump
Depending on the weather you could have a decent Knife Edge to walk or a very difficult one. In late July, 2009 a group took part of the route you are describing and shared some very scary stories about being totally socked in on the Knife Edge with high winds and very slippery rock. Plus the descent off Katahdin is no picnic either.
Not to discourage you, but please think about staying safe. A number of SOBOs who started in late July (including some very experienced hikers)spent more than a few days recovering from that first day on Katahdin. Sounds like you are talking maybe near a 30 mile day…the Maine mountains and woods can be demanding and challenging in some very unexpected ways.
BTW, there’s couple of a very nice shelters acros the rd. from the Abol Bridge store (I think it was $7 or $8 for the night) and the river runs right in front - or there’s the campground. If you have a hammock or a smallish tent then there are places on the AT where you could camp off the trail after you cross the bridge.
Good luck with your hike!
singing wind
Thank you for your thoughts, SW. I have tanken is into consideration, and this is my “prime-scenario”
Ive done many thru-hikes before- FT’05,AT’06,PCT’07,MST’08,LT’09
I know it is a big undertaking, and I am well aware of the variables that will probably hinder my plans. If i stick to this plan Ill probably end up either walking at night, or due to weather, “stealth-camping” which probably wont be much fun…Ive still got 73 days till i go, but I always like the feeling of being “free”, flying by the seat of my pants and living on a whim…
stump
Congrats on scoring a site at Chimney Pond, wonderful spot. Stump, try for a site at Katahdin Stream the next night. While the up and over you plan is often done as a day hike, it’s not done often with a ten day pack. It’s about sixteen miles out to the wicked nice Abol Pines (the State campground singing wind tells about) from Baxter Peak - but Katahdin and that 5.2 down to KSC deserves a break after. The next day hike the flat riverside trail (stop in at Daicey Pond to check the view from the rocking chairs on the library porch!) out to the Golden Road, visit and snack at Linda’s Abol Bridge Store, then hike the rolling trail into the 100 past buggy Hurd Brook lean-to and camp on top of breezy Rainbow Ledges.
Enjoy!
TJ aka Teej
Two times I started in late July. No issues but stuck to the Hunt Trail. If you are going to do the Edge - try for a ride back around - usually a number of local campers if you do it on a weekend. The sunrise climb would be something else.
I’ve been told (unknown if accurate) that the latest to climb Katahdin on a SOBO is around Labor Day. You will need a month to get to/through the Whites and early October sees weather deteriorating quickly there. But late July worked well.
Southbounders aren’t allowed to use the Birches (not supposed to, anyway) - that would (perhaps) justify stealthing in the park if too late to leave. A hammock would really come in handy.
Not sure if WhiteHouse Landing is still open - but food was expensive to buy there. Abol Store better bet.
Unknown Hiker
I carried my full pack up the dudley trail, across the knifes edge, down the hunt, and to hurd brook lean to in just 11hrs, in the RAIN! Thank you for your thoughts, and to the “nay-sayers” - HA!
Stump
Stump,
It was good to read your journal entry and find out what happened with you. We didn’t know what had happened with your foot after you got dropped off back at your car from WHL. Glad to hear that it wasn’t as serious as you feared - and that you were able to continue and finish your hike with just a few days delay. We (Sandpiper, Kite, Flatlander and I) summitted Katahdin on Tuesday 8/17 (after waiting 1 zero day for a favorable weather forecast). Flatlander and I are done with our hikes - Did you see our names/signatures on the tile at AT Cafe in Millinocket? - Sandpiper and Kite went home before continuing their flip-flop from Springer to Harpers Ferry.
Congratulations on your finish and Happy Trails!
Capt. Bly
Capt. Bly