Thru-hikers are not counted in the day’s quota. That only applies to people who drive in. There are 10? spots reserved for thruhikers at Daicy Pond Campsite (which is 7 miles from Baxter Peak). Katahdin Stream Campground (which is two miles closer) does not reserve any sites for thruhikers, but you’re welcome to radio over and see if they have any spots left. If they do, they’ll hold one for you. Assuming that you’ll finish before labor day, you probably won’t get a spot at Katahdin Stream. I stayed at Daicy Pond, a contently so, it’s a beautiful area, not nearly as crowded as Katahdin Stream. The two miles from Daicy to Katahdin Stream are insignificant, easy miles, let that not scare you. We left Daicy Pond before 5:30AM and headed up the Mountain. The rush of adrenaline will power you up the mountain. I can’t imagine the park turning away hikers a Daicy Pond. I think that there were definately more hikers there than spots reserved, but as long as you respect them, they’re cool about it. Just get an early start and don’t worry about it. As for your relative/friend picking you up. I opted to catch a ride with my friends. They had two sets of parents coming, which carried our 8 person group out of the park. Even though the park was at its quota for the day, the gate attendant let them in after being informed they were there to pick up thru-hikers. Baxter really takes leaps and bounds to help out thru-hikers. Your person will most likely get through alright. If for some unforseen disaster, and your person is not able to get a ride in; there are always plenty of people ar either the Katahdin Stream (other thruhikers parents) or at the Knife’s edge exit. I went down the Knife’s edge. It’s not exactly the easiest thing to do with a pack. All of us mighty thruhikers were quite spent after coming down that thing. Whoooohooooo!
Hungry Howie GA-mE 2000
Hungry Howie
