Does anyone have an idea on about how many people leave Mt. Katahdin heading to Springer in June? I was considering a through from Springer March 2005 but if I decide I can’t wait that long I might try a Soutbound hike.
Heather42kw
How many Sobo's in June?
system
#2
Conventional wisdom is to wait until July to start a SOBO. The reason is that the streams are still high with spring runoff in June, plus it is black fly season in Maine.
So, to answer your question, I guess it’s only the brave, or fool hearty that start in June.
If you want to start in June, why not consider starting at Harper’s Ferry and hike north, and then flip back later.
Peaks
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#3
whether brave or fool hearty i’m leavin’ Katahdin on June 1. i’ll be the guy in the blue bug suit with the netting over my head.
David
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#4
Thanks for the information Peaks. I could leave in July too. So…How many do you think start in July?
Heather42kw
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#5
I’m a foolish soul who’s planning on leaving as soon as Katahdin opens.
I live in New England and know what the bugs can be like. But I’m hoping this year may be a little better than most because the winter has been so dry.
But see David’s comments!
Bob
system
#6
i was sobo in 2000 starting May28th… I had no problems with high water/ runoff that year. YMMV at the very worst you might have to wait a day or few to wait for water to come down… even then there are only a few places in the 100 mile wilderness where this might happen. I suggest reading as many sobo journals as you can find, as i did in early 2000. you will have plenty of company in the wilderness as its a fav place for weekenders. the blackflies will be horrible no matter when you leave SOBO… buy the bens100% deet and a head-net… and carry shelter with a bug screen because when you get to camp you need to set it up , craw inside and kill everything else… then wait till dark when you can come out and cook in peace 
leaving in July is kinda late IMO and will limit the time to get to Springer…
enjoy your hike
:boy
Freighttrain
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#7
oh yea… MAy may be out as an option… in 2000 baxter opened may15th . last i heard baxter dont open till the end of the month due to too much trail erosion w the spring mud… might want to double check
FreightTrain
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#9
I was in Baxter State Park on June 1 last year (2003). The Hunt Trail was open up Katahdin, but other trails were still closed. So, like Freight Train posted, check with Baxter State Park before heading out.
Peaks
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#10
Anybody tried the bug repellant clothing by Ex Officio called Buzz Off? It uses permethrin and is supposed to last thru 25 washings according to the manufacturer. Sure would be a whole lot nicer than bathing in DEET everyday. I just wonder about its effectiveness.
Cap’n
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#11
I was one of the brave souls of the 2003 class that left Katadhin on June 1st … yes the blackflies were bad, but they were a nuisance most of the summer … not just in June … leaving June 1st is not unreasonable … you will be in the head of the SOBO pack, and reach the south just in time for fall and the changing of the foliage … smokies were beatiful in late october!!! Heather42kw - i would be more than willing to give you some advice if need be … happy trails!!!
Waldo
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#12
David and I have reservations at Baxter on June 8th and 9th. We’re planning on plenty of bug spray, having bug nets, and we’ve got a tent with bug screening. Also, my family used to live in upstate New York when I was younger and my mom claims she used to smear Vicks Vapor Rub around our ears and necks to keep the black flies from bothering us. Supposedly it works like a charm. I figure it’s worth a try. I look forward to meeting everyone! Happy trails.
Jill
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#13
Last year, the AT up Katahdin opened on May 24th and there were 70 southbound AT hikers by the 6th of June. On June 10th, between Cooper Brook and Antlers Campsite, the blackflies were as bad as I’ve ever seen them in 30+ years of Maine hiking! But then by the night on the 11th they had disappeared, and several of us went swimming. That’s Maine in the Spring!
TJ
ALDHA Companion volunteer Caratunk > Katahdin
TJ aka Teej
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#14
I started my southbound thru-hike last year on May 27 and I didn’t have any problems with high streams or anything. The black flies were bad for awhile. Make sure you take a headnet and 100% Deet! I am really glad I went southbound though because it is a LOT less crowded! I never had to worry about shelters being full or about grocery stores running out of “hiker” food. It was a great experience! I don’t see anything wrong with starting in late May or June as long as you’re prepared for the black flies.
Dixiebound