View Full Version : info needed asap!
johnny quest
08-04-2008, 13:09
the baxter state park website advises a.t. thruhikers to stay at abol campsite. but ive had a couple folks suggest that is not a good choice for a sobo. my question is if you are going to do k one day and leave baxter heading south the next what campsite would you pick?
You'd be best off to stay at Katahdin Stream campground. Have reservations for two nights. That way you are more or less right on the trail so you just get up and start climbing, Next day off you go with the white blazes.
Abol campground is 1) not nearly as nice as K Stream and 2) a couple miles away from the AT. Only stay at Abol if you have no other option.
DavidNH
the baxter state park website advises a.t. thruhikers to stay at abol campsite. but ive had a couple folks suggest that is not a good choice for a sobo. my question is if you are going to do k one day and leave baxter heading south the next what campsite would you pick?
I'd PM TJ.
He knows Baxter SP about as well as anyone on White Blaze.
Knowing TJ, he'll probably respond directly, too. :)
The Old Fhart
08-04-2008, 13:34
If you stay at Abol campground for a SOBO you will have to carry all your gear with you to the summit because you will be coming down the Hunt Trail (A.T.). If you stay at Katahdin Stream campground you will be going up and down the Hunt Trail and can leave most of your gear at the ranger station or whatever. Distance going up and down the Hunt Trail is 10.4 miles, about 1.5 mile longer than up Abol and down Hunt. BTW, the Abol slide is tricky with a full pack.
johnny quest
08-04-2008, 13:40
this is great info. thanks. i have a pm into tj aka teej.
why does baxter steer sobos to abol i wonder?
TJ aka Teej
08-04-2008, 13:43
I always advise MEGAs to book two nights in a lean-to at Katahdin Stream Campground.
As far as what the BSP website advises:
"If you are beginning your hike at Baxter, you should know your itinerary and be able to predict your date of arrival in the Park." and "...we ask that visitors starting their long distance hike reserve a regular lean-to or tentsite at Katahdin Stream Campground or Abol Campground."
Mags - get outta my head!
TJ aka Teej
08-04-2008, 13:52
If you stay at Abol campground for a SOBO you will have to carry all your gear with you to the summit because you will be coming down the Hunt Trail (A.T.). If you stay at Katahdin Stream campground you will be going up and down the Hunt Trail and can leave most of your gear at the ranger station or whatever. Distance going up and down the Hunt Trail is 10.4 miles, about 1.5 mile longer than up Abol and down Hunt. BTW, the Abol slide is tricky with a full pack.
Starting out of Abol is, as OF points out, a logistical problem. And the roadwalk between campgrounds is not safe at all.
Fhart, just how 'full' was that pack? 45? 55? What 'full' means to old farts like us would stagger these here young'uns!
johnny quest
08-04-2008, 14:14
well i just got my reservations. its surprisingly full for a weekday. i have ksc for sunday night the 17th but i have to move to abol for the night of the 18th. she said something may shake loose and i can switch it. 15 dollar fee.
johnny quest
08-04-2008, 15:02
thanks to all you who responded to my question so quickly. i appreciate it. my reservations arent exactly what i wanted but will do. anybody wants to camp those days, i had to pay for two people.
notorius tic
08-04-2008, 15:09
:banana
You'd be best off to stay at Katahdin Stream campground. Have reservations for two nights. That way you are more or less right on the trail so you just get up and start climbing, Next day off you go with the white blazes.
Abol campground is 1) not nearly as nice as K Stream and 2) a couple miles away from the AT. Only stay at Abol if you have no other option.
DavidNH
notorius tic
08-04-2008, 15:11
And Tell Dave I Said Hello..
Blissful
08-04-2008, 16:52
We tented around Rainbow Ledges in the 100 mile wilderness before we hit Baxter the next day (NOBO). I'd think you could make that in one day starting from katahdin Stream (next day after doing katahdin). Probably need two nights though at the camground, one night before K, one the night you complete it.
johnny quest
08-04-2008, 16:58
yes, everyone has recommende two nights in the park. i just wish they were in the same place, ksp!
Blissful
08-04-2008, 17:01
Sorry, just saw that! Hope you can get it for 2 nights somehow, like a cancellation.
Also, are you keeping a trail journal? I am looking at a SOBO hike in the future.
johnny quest
08-04-2008, 17:18
i do have 2 nights reserved. just not 2 nights in the same place. the 17th im at ksc and the 18th im at abol. i hope i can stay at ksc.
im not keeping an online trailjournal but will keep notes and publish one later. i will be on trailphone.net
Bluebearee
08-04-2008, 17:34
this is great info. thanks. i have a pm into tj aka teej.
why does baxter steer sobos to abol i wonder?
It doesn't. It just states that KS is typically full as you found out, so Abol is a second option, being the closest campground to it in the Park.
See you then!
Be sure to harass this ridge runner I know, I think she goes by Bluebearee, she'll know who I am.
Kirby