Meeting friends to climb Katahdin

imported
#1

Some of my friends would like to summit Katahdin with me late this summer (after listening to me on the subject of the AT for all of these seasons as a section hiker).
Pulling this off seems logistically very challenging because of Baxter State Park’s entry rules for the general public, the unlikelihood of my friends being able to reserve a camp site, the uncertainty of my precise arrival date and Katahdin’s weather, etc.
I would sure like some advice from those of you who have faced this logistical problem.
(I have considered and rejected the idea of completing the trail at some other point and celebrating there instead.)
Many thanks. Two Hats

Two Hats

#2

Get to Monson, call your Buddy and get him/her to book a spot at Katahdin stream. That gives your Buddy about one week to get his/her s**t together. There are lean-to’s and camp spots, they can take their pick, plenty to go round.

Cheers

Cheers

#3

I think Cheers hit it on the head. You read how difficult it is to get camping spots in Baxter. My girlfriend came to see me finish the AT and was able to get a lean too right by the trail the next day. I believe they totally overblow how hard it really is to get a place to stay/camp in Baxter. A week advance notice should be fine for your friends to get situated so that they can meet you. Figure out how long it is going to take you to get through the 100 mile wildernes - which is not that difficult - and like Cheers said - let him know when you are going to finish that area.

Best of luck,
Crockett

Crockett

#4

Thanks, Crockett and Cheers,
We’ll give it a try and thank you for the encouragement and information.
Two Hats

Two Hats

#5

It is now possible to make reservations on short notice and some good luck stories are told. I think it would be less than 10% chance for a weekend spot, and maybe 80% for a weekday spot, on 7 days notice. Last summer, I was unable to hike over Katahdin and stay at one of the remote campsites on the north side of the park, even midweek. Note, you also have reservation issues if weather delays your summit or you arrive early. Thru hikers are dropped to lowest priority the second night, so if others come in, you must go to Millinocett for the night. This is not a big problem if your friends have a car, just get up early and wait for the gate to open.

Rambler