SOBO - July 15 - Appalachian Trail

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#1

I just realized a few quick questions that suddenly seemed pretty important. We’re getting the gear in order, but here’s a couple of other questions:

  1. To thru-hike, do I need to pay park fees all along the trail? I mean, should I be anticipating fees the whole time? Or is it free?

  2. To start my thru-hike in Maine, what’re the most important things I should know? Does Baxter have a fee? If I fly in to Portland on the 15 and take a bus to Baxter, how should I start the trail? Camp in-park that night or in town and enter the next day? How are the first few days going to go? Is it true that I should pack for 8 days of food for the first stretch?

I know all this sounds naive, but it’s a first time thru-hike.

Thanks,
Nic
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Myshkin

#2

I recommend you by the thru-hikers handbook or companion. It will answer all of these questions and more.

  1. you do not have to pay fees to hike but you will for camping in some parks. In addition, Baxter is not free nor does a bus go to the park. You should camp in the park to get an early start up Katahdin. Plan on at least 8 days for the 100 miles wilderness. Good Luck.

Darth Packman

#3

We had to pay some fees in the Whites. We paid for shelters and campsites. The best I can remember it was between $8 and $15. We did work for stay in a couple of the Huts and did some stealth camping.

But just like Darth Packman said, get you thru hiker handbook or companion it will have all the answers to your questions. You will need to register at several of the National Parks and keep the forms with you in case you are checked by a ranger. I’ve only been asked once to see my back country registry and that was in the Smokies. But it is good to sign in on as many registers (including the ones in the shelters) somebody may need to find you and that is a good way for other hikers to know where you are.

Good luck and have a great hike!

Papa Smurf

#4

In July it may be hard to get a reservation to camp in Baxter and immpossible if its a weekend. Check with the park ahead of time. I have heard of people who take a cab from Millinocket in the morning to the park and do the hike to the summit then hike out to Abol Bridge. That would be a tough way to start your hike but its doable. The bus trip from Portland will only take you to Medway which is still a few miles from Millinocket, unless that has changed in the past years. I believe you can get a cab or shuttle to Millinocket. There is a hiker hostel in Millinocket that use to provide shuttles. The number would be in the companion. I know it all seems daunting sitting at home but it will all work out when you get there. Just be ready to roll with the punches and adapt as things happen.

Big B

#5

July is a great time to SOBO. My wife and I started July 1 on our thruhike…email us if you have any questions. I would defn. get the books mentioned above The Data Book and Companion were absolutely nec. There is a hostel in the 100 mile Wilderness. White House Landing…I kinda thought it was cheating to stay there at first, but when we hike next time I’ll have supplies mail dropped there, so that I don’t have to carry as much for the first 10 days. Anyway, thruhikers2003@yahoo.com and I can give you all sorts of info from our hike if you’d like it.

FatCat and Grommie MEGA '03

FatCat

#6

White House Landing stopped taking mail drops in 2005. They have adequate supplies for NOBO’s (an easy 40 mi before Abol) and barely adequate supplies for SOBO’s (a rugged 60 from Monson for out of shape SOBO’s)
Rambler

Rambler

#7

I did not know that…it’s probably for the better. I only stopped there to try to get some food (their big 'ole burgers). I guess people will have to try to make it the old fashioned way and hike it out…

FatCat

#8

Keep in mind, if you have some body fat to burn, you may eat only about a pound a day your first few weeks; while at trail’s end, you may be wolfing down 2+ lbs. This works to a SB’s advantage cuz stuff’s closer together down south.

gingerbreadman

#9

Keep in mind, if you have some body fat to burn, you may eat only about a pound a day your first few weeks; while at trail’s end, you may be wolfing down 2+ lbs. This works to a SB’s advantage cuz stuff’s closer together down south.

gingerbreadman

#10

Katahdin is killer. There ain’t nothin’ like it from Georgia to Maine to Georgia. At least that was my assessment as a GA/ME ‘05 NOBO 2000 miler. Do yourself a favor and SLACKPACK up Katahdin, (your pack will be safe at the Rangers’ office) rest a good night around Abol Bridge Campgrounds, and let her rip for the southard bearing in mind all of the good advice offered above ;with awareness that all hiking stuff is personal to you; your body, style, experience, weather, attitude, etc. You, ultimately, hike your own hike. Muleskinner. Peace is the only way.

Muleskinner