I have been told that Baxter SP closes on the first of Oct. Does anyone know if this is correct? Also, I have heard that if a thru-hiker gets to Katahdin and it is closed the rangers are rather understanding and are willing to let you hike to the top. I suppose there is a point when it gets too cold and snowy and I plan on reaching Katahdin before that point but just incase something should happen and slow me down I want to know what to expect.
Elizabeth
Uh, 15th, yes, [they] are nice if you’re nice and if weather permits they will allow you up. It is a half day up and there is no good water after tree line bring two quarts…or less if it’s cool. We did Aug 5th so it was nice.
Bramble
Katahdin can close at any time that the rangers deem it necessary. It is weather related. They can close the mountain, and then a few days later, reopen it again when the weather clears. The rangers will tell you to plan on being at Katahdin before October 15. However, in the year 2001, the mountain closed around mid November, because it was so warm and dry. It is the buildup of ice and snow that causes the mountain to be closed. If you try to climb up while the mountain is covered with ice, you can slip and be killed or worse. Even thru-hikers can slip on ice. If you climb up while the mountain is closed the rangers can see you with binoculars and get you when you come down.
Be Happy
Panzer
Panzer
Safety should be the rule for reaching Katahdin. If the weather looks bad and you are worried about reaching Katahdin, it is o.k. to jump from Stratton, Monson, or somewhere in Maine to get up to Baxter to finish the mountain and then go back to do that section one jumped. The only place that gets closed in Maine is Baxter. Not the Avery’s, nor Sugarloaf, nor Saddleback, just Katahdin.
I can remember friends of mine on the trail in '98 who failed to climb Katahdin on their thru hike because of the weather. They sat around for a week or so waiting to see if they could climb it, and had to go back home disappointed.
Two of their group got assistance in the wilderness and were able to move forward to finish the mountain one day before the mountain was shut down. Three rejected that aid and thought they had all the time in the world. So, of the five, 2 finished because they were prudent, and three had to wait until the next year in September to finish their hike and summit Katahdin.
Mr. Boo
Thank you all for the info. I would plan on being there before the 15th of Oct. Of course the way the weather has been this year who knows what it will look like when we all get there.
Elizabeth