Katahdin and out of BSP in one day?

[slowfeet]

Do many/any hikers:

Hike Katahdin, pick up pack at KSC, and continue south on the AT making it out of BSP?



I planned on staying @ KSC, but, looks like all the spots are already filled up...... so, was thinking I could skip the night at the campground, save $30 and make it out of BSP area.

Possible? not worth it? just stay at Abol CG? anybody know the approx mileage from KSC to border, or other legal campground on/near AT?
(I'm basing this looking at a map of the BSP borders... doesn't seem too far too hike from KSC to get out of Park property)

[gsimp18]

I just sumitted today and unless your in peak physical condition I don't recommend doing that. It's 10.4 miles up and back katahdin and another 10 to the border. Doing a 20 mile day on your first day probably isn't a good idea. Just see if abol or chimney pond are open. You could hike up the abol trail and down hunt or up chimney pond, across knife's edge(which I highly recommend) then down hunt and back to abol campground.

[slowfeet]

thanks for the info....

I'll try and get a spot at Abol CG.
Anyone know if I can borrow a daypack/leave my pack at the ranger station @ Abol CG?


If anybody has a reservation @ KSC Lean to on the 22nd(june) and wants to split costs, PM me. I'll be in a hammock, which I've read is OK at the Lean Tos, so, you'll have the lean to to yourself.

[slowfeet]

anybody have info to share about the Birches shelter/campground nearby KSC?

I called BSP and they said that was an option, but, it is for long distance hikers only, and Northbounders have Priority over Southbounders...... I guess my main concern is will it be full this time of year?

[lynn523]

Good question about borrowing daypacks. I've been wondering if there is a way to donate a daypack. We're planning to base camp at KSC, and hike Katahdin with a daypack that we'd like to donate before setting out on a section hike of the rest of the Maine AT. I'd really like to avoid carrying the daypack out of Baxter State Park! Anyone know if donating or borrowing daypacks is possible up there?

[on_the_GOEZ]

At Katahdin Stream Campground, the Ranger will let you borrow a pack. You just have to leave your pack as 'collateral' in their office. They have plenty of packs; the earlier the start the better when summiting Baxter Peak. They will register you as well.

Depending on how early in the day you start and your physical ability, you might be able to hike out of BSP the first day. I recommend taking your time in the park and on Baxter Peak - it is the best state park along the entire AT in my opinion. Absolutely pristine! As said above, Knifes Edge is awesome - Id take the time and do that. That said, I made it up and down Katahdin in just over 4 hours. I was in fantastic shape going into the hike - I didnt find the mountain to be any problem. I was definately going on adrenaline, however, seeing as it was the beginning of my thru. Two other SOBOS i started with took almost 12 hours to do it. Bluntly, they were fat and out of shape with 0 hiking experience. Know your ability before starting.

The Birches are for Long Distance hikers only. Northbounders have already gone the distance, SOBOs havent. They have priority, but I doubt the lean-tos in BSP will be full. The two aforementioned SOBOs i started with already had a lean-to in the campground reserved and paid for. They can easily fit 5-6 people, so they let me stay for 5 bucks and a 2 Buds. Good trade in my opinion. If the Birches might be full, talk to other SOBOs or NOBOs and see if you could pitch in to stay.

Enjoy Baxter State Park and Maine! The best part of the entire trail, IMO!

[on_the_GOEZ]

And as far as donating day packs goes, just call the Rangers office and ask. Im sure they could use some fresh ones

[Tucky]

Yes, its possible. Will be about a 20 or so day. Trail is flat after K going south, so the hiking is easier. Just start early and dont rush your time at the top.

[TJ aka Teej]

The 'up, down, and out' option usually results in a zero at Abol Bridge.
No loaner packs at Abol.
No staying at the Birches for southbounders.
All the packs at KSC were donated by Ranger Bruce white. If you have one to add to the pile, it would be welcome!

[lynn523]

Thanks for the great feedback! Really looking forward to this.

[singing wind]

Hi - in 2009 or so I was SOBO from Katahdin. At that time KSC had 2 or 3 overflow sites, including a covered shelter and 2 leantos that I found out about when I got to there. Initially I could only get 1 nights reservation and hiking Katahdin and getting out of the park in 1 day was not an option. The overflow sites were booked at the ranger station. I hammock and the covered shelter was a good hang. One could theoretically stealth camp if you go far enough south and get out of sight but personally I would rather respect the park rules.

[UltraRunner]

Any person in good physical condition can summit and exit the park in the same day. The climb up is strenuous in places but not bad overall. The hike out of the park is a breeze.

[Quadzilla]

Over 35 years of experience in hiking the Trail in Maine and as being a Volunteer trail maintainer in Baxter Park and as a Volunteer trail maintainer on Bigelow Mountain for 28 years......I have already "rescued" 4 of my guests after their summit assualt of Katahdin. All headed home due to knee injuries or "not my cup of tea" symdrome. Make no mistake about it. Katahdin is an all day hike and will beat your body into a bloody pulp. The climb up and the climb down is taxing to everybodys physical condition. Many of my guests have taken 12-15 hours to ascend and descend the mountain; figure on at least 8-10. Bravo to those who can do it in much less. I can; but my concerns are with those hikers who come to Maine to begin an epic journey that will transform their lives. You are starting at the toughest and most rugged section of the entire Appalachian trail. Far and beyond the "easy" 50 miles of the 100 Mile Wilderness, the AT turns brutal with unbelieveable climbs (less we forget Barren-Chairback) beginning at Bigelow all the way through the Whites. This is the toughest 200 miles of the entire AT. Katahdin is a mere taste of things to come. Do not think you can come and "conquer" the mountain. It is a fools decision to do so. Best to take the first 3 weeks at no more than 12 mile days, stuggle through the next 200, and then fly at 20+ from Hanover to Springer. I speak from experience.......Quadzilla GA>ME '77 & '82 & '10

[mudhead]

Now, now, now. No need to frighten the tourists.

No one conquers Katahdin. Pamola allows one to proceed.

[peakbagger]

I tend to agree with Quad. Unless you are used to hiking in Maine or the harder trails of the whites or the ADKS, there is no comparison to the typical trails down south. Both Abol and Hunt (the AT), have sections of boulder climbing and long stretches of rock hopping. The Hunt trail has a few iron bars set in boulders so that you can climb up them, the bars are usually not optional for a typical hiker.

A general observation is that many southbounders I have encountered are in too much of a rush and it catches up with them if they push too early. Sure you may be able to pound out a long day up Katahdin and out of the park, but in the long run you will be better served by enjoying a fun day on Katahdin (maybe throw in a walk over the knifes edge). If you are feeling chipper the next morning, feel free to jog out of the park and into the 100 mile wilderness as the trail is downright well graded. Just beware that when you are dreaming of getting to Monson early that the climb up White Cap and the southern section of the 100 mile wilderness is going to be a rude awakening.

[mudhead]

Course he's right.

Even if it only takes you 5 hours, it is a rugged 5 hours.

Anyone that would be functional the day after Abol Bridge wouldn't have to ask. You know freaks of nature people that do 50 miles etc.

[k2basecamp]

The quadman is correct. Save your knees unless you want to go home soon. I,ve run a 2:49 marathon at the hilly adirondack marathon at age 50 . Last summer i did the big k to washington. I left ksc at 2:20 summited at 5:20 and made it back by 8:15. Last mile w a headlamp that was enough for my legs. Next day i did 18 out of the park. What looks good on paper isnt so good on the trail. Like quadzilla i did the trail from ga to me befoe- in 81. Sad part this time was that many of the old shelters are no longer there .

The Bamaman. Aka Milo Garcia and the Parapackers
Www.unclerust.com

[Blissful]

Doing Katahdin AND hiking through the park in one day is one long awful haul.

[slowfeet]

in case anyone wants to know what I've decided:

I'm going to do it the conventional way...... don't think I'd make it 20 miles on the first day.


thanks for the replies... I'm sure someone else will benefit from them as well.

[k2basecamp]

in case anyone wants to know what I've decided:

I'm going to do it the conventional way...... don't think I'd make it 20 miles on the first day.


thanks for the replies... I'm sure someone else will benefit from them as well.

You're a smart man.