In and out of Baxter

imported
#1

I’m planning a SOBO section hike at the end of August and between making other arrangements overlooked the need for reservations in Baxter State Park. I’m going to mail in my request, but am worried the sites will be full as my schedule has me arriving the Friday going into Labor Day weekend. I’m looking for advice on other options.
I know it’s a stretch, but would it be completely impractical to hitchhike into Baxter early, climb Katahdin, and hike out of the park in the same day? I’m an experienced hiker and will be in good shape coming off 260 miles on the PCT. Or maybe hitch in, climb Katahdin and then hitch back out to Millinocket, hitching back to the park and resuming my hike south the following day? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks…

Gesh

#2

Check out the services of Ole Man and NaviGator at their Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket. They provide a Hiker special that will shuttle you to the trail and provide overnight accomadations. Very resonable and a great acouple.

J D Cool

#3

If you get an early start it is very doable to hike big K and out to Abol Campground in one long day. Drop your pack at the campground and only carry a day pack. The climb is very tough but the hike out of the park is not too bad if I remember correctly.

Big B

#4

Hiking from Abol Campground and climbing Katahdin in one day would be difficult for a hiker who has not been on the trail for some time. During my thru it took 10 hours to summit and return to Katahdin Spring Campground. I think your best bet would be to contact the folks at the Appalachian Trail Lodge for help.

Grampie

#5

The hiking part of your plan is doable. With your level of fitness, you should be able to summit in 3 hrs, descend in 2, then hike the easy miles out to Abol Bridge in 3 or 4.

The problem will be hitching into the park. I tried that once, and ended up calling the taxi for about $50. I totally agree that the AT Lodge is a great place and they should be able to help you get into the park.

Garlic

#6

Hey, thanks for the great advice everybody. I did contact the AT Lodge and it looks/sounds like a great place, with very reasonable rates. I just wanted to post this for the benefit of other readers, as unfortunately my AT plans for this year have fallen through. Just gonna have to settle for finishing up the PCT and then turn my attention on next years run at the Continental Divide. I will make it back out to the Appalachian Trail sooner or later, and will certainly keep the folks in Millinocket in mind.

Gesh