RE Northern AT Terminus approach

imported
#1

I am trying to figure out how most southbounders approach the northern terminus. Does anyone take the Abol Trail from Abol Campsite to avoid too much out and back. How long is Abol Trail from Abol campsite to the AT? Do folks approach from Roaring Brook Campground. What are the pros and cons of either approach. Or am I missing some other approach? I am also going to need a shuttle so whatever is most convinient for someone without a car would be awesome.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

Adam Bradley

#2

I think most people take a shuttle from Millinocket into the park to Kahtadin Stream Campground and Hike the AT up and back with a day pack. Its around 11 miles of steep tough hiking round trip. I would think most SOBOs then spend the night in the campground ( get reservation) then hike south from there. The hiker hostel in town used to provide shuttles and was an excellent place to stay. The hike from KS Campground to Abol Bridge is not too tough so if you still had the energy you could hike to there and stay in the private campground.

Big B

#3

I did the 100 mile wilderness last summer. We caught a shuttle into KS Campground from the hostel in Monson and stayed at a site that I had reserved. The ranger is very nice. He will lend you a day pack for the hike up Katahdin if you want. On day 2 we hiked the 10 miles down to Abol Bridge and stayed at the self serve camp across the street from the Private Campground. It was quiet, offered good swimming, and had only hikers in it versus RVs.

It really is too long a hike in one day to try and cover Katahdin and the 10 miles to Abol Bridge, unless you already are a 20 mile per day hiker. Katahdin is a killer of a climb.

lattelewis

#4

I’m sure that most SOBO’s start @ Katahdin Stream Campground and just hike up and down the Hunt Trail (A.T.) back to Katahdin Stream.

A much more spectacular option is to start @ Roaring Brook and then hike past Chimney Pond to the summit of Pamola, and then traverse the spectacular Knife’s Edge to the South Summit and finally to Baxter Peak and then follow the A.T. down to Katahdin Stream Campground. This is almost the same distance, but far more spectacular.

I followed this route in '01 on a SOBO hike and was fortunate to have good weather (critical) for the Knife’s Edge. Also, I had most of the heavy weight from my pack dropped @ Katahdin Sream Ranger Station so I wouldn’t have to carry it. (I asked @ the Baxter entrance gate and a friendly Ranger aggreed to drop it off for me - it’s a LONG drive around the mountain on gravel roads)

If you have any kind of fear of heights, then maybe the normal Hunt Trail route would be better as there are a couple spots (like just beyond the summit of Pamola) that require a bit of climbing on a very steep cliff. Also, if there is even a hint of foul weather, (thunder storm, high wind or rain), definitely take the standard Hunt Trail route. Baxter Park Rangers post the forecast every morning at all Katahdin trailheads - if its a “Class 1” day, head for Roaring Brook!

happy trails!

freebird

#5

Thanks for the info provided already! I really appreciate it and if any other folks have any opinions please reply to this post. Thanks again for those that posted, I am getting a better idea of what my options are.

Adam Bradley

#6

Hi Adam,
There truly is no easy way up the mountain, I believe Abol Slide is about 5 miles long just like the Hunt trail. It depends what kind of arrangement you can work out if you want to do a traverse or something other than an out and back. Knife Edge and the Chimney from Pamola are not to be trifled with but it is a classic route up on The Greatest One, albeit longer than just ascending from Chimney Pond straight to Baxter Peak via Saddle or Cathedral.

You’ll love it no matter what you decide…when is your start date?

Bluebearee

#7

Saddle trail is tough, thats the trail I took when I climbed Katahdin last fall. Its one big rock scamble over rocks that twist your ankles every which way, and in some places require hands over head climbing. Once you hit the table lands after the saddle trail, its a nice final approach to the summit.

Kirby