I’m hiking SOBO this year and wanted to pass along some info received today from the people at Baxter about Katahdin’s snow pack.
Here in Boston, we got several inches of rain last week, but this translated to almost no snow on Katahdin. An early start to SOBO hikes may still be in the cards.
Do I sound antsy?
Bob
Good for you for going to the source. The Baxter folks know their mountain well. When are you leaving, Bob?
TJ aka Teej
I have a buddy who is willing to hike Katahdin with me on any given weekend, and he’ll ride up with me. If Katahdin is open, I’m leaving on the earliest weekend I can (hopefully 5/15).
I’m a little slow and I don’t want to hike too long after November 1 if I can help it.
Bob
Well, keep the Baxter phone number handy! There’s a chance that day hikers will have climbed Katahdin before the over night camping season starts on 5/15. I’ve climbed in April and early May, so you never know. I’ll be up there May 3rd, and be camping at Katahdin Stream on the 15th and 16th. I’ll be sure to post about Trail conditions.
Good luck, and have fun!
TJ
ALDHA Companion volunteer, Caratunk > Katahdin
TJ aka Teej
Hey, TJ -
This is terrific info. What do you think of a 5/8 start if Katahdin is open? Am I likely to be OK with the stream crossings in the rest of Maine that early? [I realize I wouldn’t be able to camp in Baxter, but I can work around that.]
bob
If the AT is open, I’d say go for it! If there’s little snow on Katahdin, White Cap should be clear too. But expect and prepare for snow/ice up high. The snow melt run off will be past south of the West Branch (the river Abol Bridge spans), but you might still find “interesting” stream crossings inside Baxter, and north of Monson. Hurd Brook should be OK, last May 14th it was just a rock hop. Remember that Abol Bridge will be closed to cars until May 20th or so, open to hiker foot traffic only. Call BSPHQ for Katahdin Trail info, and I’ll let you know about Hurd Brook and the AT around Abol Bridge when I get back from the May 3 trip.
There’s a great public campsite called Abol Pines right across from Abol Bridge, with privy and ‘iron ranger’ to collect the $6 fee.
TJ aka Teej
Bob,
In case you don’t already know, New Englad will be very buggy until July. Black flies are nasty. Just warning you.
Bankrobber
Hi Bankrobber,
The nice thing about May is the absence of blackflies and skeeters. Few blackflies until after Memorial Day. That’s one of the reasons I always camp at Baxter on opening weekend, Spring in northern Maine is beautiful!
TJ aka Teej
TJ,
I thought they emerged right after the snowmelt. My mistake. I definitely will consider hiking in Northern New England in May.
Bankrobber