Maine Float Plane Service

[Alligator]

1. What's the nearest waterbody to Katahdin that a float plane might drop one off?

2. What waterbodies in Maine close to the AT might make for a good dropoff point?

3. Anybody ever done something like this?

[the goat]

1. What's the nearest waterbody to Katahdin that a float plane might drop one off?

pemadumcook lake probably? i think daicy pond might be too small?
(pure speculation of course, i've never heard of or done this myself).

[Lone Wolf]

Rainbow Lake.

[Maineiac]

in answer to # 3 above, a former maintainer for a section near this area used to fly in each year to maintain a section of trail, so yes it has been done before. I also remember seeing someone post (last year if I recall correctly) that they had done exactly what you are asking: flown in to somewhere in this area to start their hike.

[The Solemates]

in answer to # 3 above, a former maintainer for a section near this area used to fly in each year to maintain a section of trail, so yes it has been done before. I also remember seeing someone post (last year if I recall correctly) that they had done exactly what you are asking: flown in to somewhere in this area to start their hike.

yep. someone was inquiring info about this same thing. not sure who.

[TJ aka Teej]

Pemadumcook. Nearest float plane is on Ambajejus (Part of Pema on the Golden Road) Lake, where Katahdin Flying Service has a dock. They fly into Jo-Mary and let hikers off at Antler's Campsite. Daicey Pond is in the Park, so no planes are allowed to land. It's plenty big enough, though. Currier's and Folsom's are bigger outfits out of Greenville and have more flights.

[attroll]

TJ

There were float planes landing on Rainbow lake when I hiked there two years ago. The is the first Lake you will hit heading south once out to the Park. Rainbow Lake it about 6 to 8 miles south on the AT from Abol bridge.

Alligator what are you actually trying to get float plane service for. This might let us narrow it down for you.

[swift]

on SEP 1st of last year when I passed thru Abol Bridge there was a plane docked on the lake there, with pontoons on it

[Alligator]

I wasn't looking for anything in the immediate future. I once checked into getting a float plane to canoe the Allagash. I remembered it would cost about $300 or so. People are always wondering how to get to Katahdin, especially from Bangor, so I thought it would make an interesting thread. If it didn't cost a lot more, it might make for a fun extra piece anyway.

And if folks have done #2 above, it might also make for a nice trip. Like getting dropped a week out from Katahdin, and finishing up there.

[attroll]

on SEP 1st of last year when I passed thru Abol Bridge there was a plane docked on the lake there, with pontoons on it

That does not mean it was not a private plan. There are also private float planes in the area.

[TJ aka Teej]

TJ

There were float planes landing on Rainbow lake when I hiked there two years ago. The is the first Lake you will hit heading south once out to the Park. Rainbow Lake it about 6 to 8 miles south on the AT from Abol bridge.

Yeah, I guess I was thinking nearest service, not landing spot. And you're right, there are often planes tied up at Abol Bridge campground - so that's really the closest!

[paddler]

i balieve pushaw lake in glenburn me is the nearest float plane service to bangor. it is only 5-10 min. from bangor int.

[mweinstone]

i spoke with him 16 years ago or so .give or take five years. but thats what he said. yep.and it was around 300 bucks back then. they pick you up at the airport and drive you to a pond where they launch from.its a pipe dream of alot of thru hikers i imagine. i used to dream up tons of different possible thru hikes as a kid. then i would work out all the details on paper. me and that pencil walked alot of walks on that paper.and i swor id hike the trail forever .next year im going revenge hiking .for all the hikeless years.

[poison_ivy]

When hiking the 100-Mile Wilderness last year, a fellow hiker & I took a float plane ride to start the trip with Katahdin Air. We took off from a pond on the Milinocket end and landed at Spectacle Pond, which was about a tenth of a mile from the start of the 100-Mile Wilderness in Monson.

It cost us $85 per person and was completely worth it -- we hiked the 100-Mile mainly in the rain so our flight was one of the few views we had of the area. I would highly recommend doing this!

Katahdin Air's website is http://www.katahdinair.com

- Ivy

[Alligator]

That's a pretty responsible 100 mile shuttle, considering you're getting dropped off by plane. Also, shuttle time is greatly reduced. A car drop of that length could easily take more than 1/2 a day. Thanks for the info Ivy.

[Tramper Al]

When hiking the 100-Mile Wilderness last year, a fellow hiker & I took a float plane ride to start the trip with Katahdin Air.

Yes! What Ivy said.

I'd like to use a float plane shuttle when I paddle the Allagash too. I would expect that 100 +/- mile ride to be more expensive, though, since my canoe is quite a bit larger than my backpack.