View Full Version : Katahdin Conditions June 1
I have read a lot about the conditions on Katahdin and saw that the park rangers close the mountain if weather conditions are too hazardous. What do you suggest a hiker does if the mountain is closed the day he is scheduled to start? Unfortunately reservations in the park are not cheap and there is no point in reserving more than one night if you are starting a SOBO thru there. What do you do if you can't hike it while you have a campsite booked? Any alternative places to stay or suggestions? Hopefully the weather will be great, but I want to be prepared if its not. Thanks.
I am doubting Katahdin with be open the 1st of June, there is a lot of snowpack that needs to melt, and sending hikers up during this period would do serious damage to the trail. I suggest going forward with your plans, but be open to the fact that you may not get to climb the mountain right away. You can kill time at the State of Maine campsite at Abol Pines.
Kirby
I'm starting a SOBO hike this year, and I am really not holding out hopes that katahdin will be open. I'm planning on starting just outside of baxter state park boundries. Not climbing Katahdin will give me a reason to get back on the trail at a later date. ;)
Alot of time between now and then.
Gameday decision. Keep the faith.
I have read a lot about the conditions on Katahdin and saw that the park rangers close the mountain if weather conditions are too hazardous. What do you suggest a hiker does if the mountain is closed the day he is scheduled to start?
You must learn to flow with the AT if you desire a satisfactory experience. The AT does not exist to conform to your schedule. You must conform to it and provide what it requires.
Unfortunately reservations in the park are not cheap and there is no point in reserving more than one night if you are starting a SOBO thru there.
Two nights is precisely what is generally recommend here. Why? It creates options and summitting Katahdin or negotiating any of the other exposed locations on the AT above treeline requires flexibility and hiking when the weather indicates you hike.
There will be many other occasions when conditions require modifying your plans. Get accustomed to the idea.
First, Katahdin will not open until the trails are clear of snow and ice. This will probably be sometime after June 1.
Generally speaking, there should be space available during the week at the campgrounds early in the season. So, I wouldn't bother trying to make reservations unless you plan to be there Friday or Saturday night.
Conventional wisdom suggests that you consider delaying your start for about a month. In addition to the snow and ice on Katahdin, all the stream crossings in the 100 miles will be high and cold from the spring run off. Also, it's prime bug season. That's not to be taken lightly.
New Hampshire and Maine had record breaking snowfall last winter. I wouldn't count on starting a SOBO hike before July 1.
The Abol trail is now open to Katahdin. The hunt trail which the A-T follows should be open by June 1.
Bluebearee
05-28-2008, 18:55
Hunt opened on Monday May 26th. I heard it myself through the Park radio system.
Blissful
05-28-2008, 22:40
Go, go go!!! And have a super adventure.
splash1986
05-29-2008, 20:31
Anyone know of the conditions of the trail up Katahdin that starts at Katahdin Stream campground?
The Hunt Trail should get frosted tonight. As per Bluebearee, it is open.
Might be a tad buggy down low.
I called Baxter today to make my reservations. Nancy said Hunt and Abol are open.
Clyde
splash1986
05-29-2008, 20:54
Thanks! We are hoping to climb the big K on June 7, and start the 100 mile on the 8th.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=CAR&llon=-69.237083&rlon=-68.152083&tlat=46.497917&blat=45.412917&smap=1&mp=0&map.x=77&map.y=132
The temp seems to match the town of Caribou on a weather radio, but this will give you some fun.
http://www.accuweather.com/forecast-15day.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&zipChg=1&zipcode=04462&metric=0
Hard to forecast that far out, unless there is a big H over Bermuda. Even then.
Have a blast.