View Full Version : Baxter State Park Rules & Regs
Here is a link to their Rules and Regulations, especially for Thru-hikers.
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority....ru-hiking.html
Trail closing during Winter months are addressed.
Times set for departure to Summit may be located elsewhere on their site.
:confused: I tried the link and it doesn't work.?.?
try this link instead http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/thru-hiking.html
What happened to my link? I tried it after posting, it worked.
What happened to my link? I tried it after posting, it worked.
I take that back, and I do know what happened to cause the problem, Eveyone should use HOI's LINK takes you to the same place.
Direct links to specific information on Baxter State Park Authority's website which may be of interest to WhiteBlaze.net members:
Camping and Reservations (phone number at bottom)
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/camping/index.html (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/camping/index.html)
Cut off times for Katahdin
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/index.html (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/index.html)
Weather Classification
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/classification.html (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/classification.html)
Thru-Hiking
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/thru-hiking.html (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/thru-hiking.html)
Park Map
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/map/baxtermap.pdf (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/map/baxtermap.pdf)
While there's much additional information worth reading, I believe these links would most frequently accessed. I thought it might be helpful to gather them in 1 location.
Maybe WhiteBlaze.net should consider an article on beginning/finishing up your thru-hike and/or section-hike and the various ways in which that might be accomplished including the advantages/disadvantages of alternatives presented?
A few days ago, there was a thread with some good information that could be expanded and further developed along those lines.
I would think that links to Baxter State Park Authority's pages would serve to help keep it current although it would still no doubt need to be revised from time to time.
I haven't looked at The Companion's coverage of this topic, but I'm guessing space considerations limit the amount of attention that can be given it.
......I haven't looked at The Companion's coverage of this topic, but I'm guessing space considerations limit the amount of attention that can be given it.
You would be right. The Companion is a quick reference guide and some of the stuff can be trimmed down/cut out before carrying on a hike.
I am of a mind that many people have difficulty getting done what they desire to do and that they blame that on BSP regs. I also believe there are extremely competent people managing that park that know far more about how to manage it than WhiteBlaze.net or ALDHA.
Forgive me, but I can't help but wonder sometimes whether this site is about helping people or selling stuff. I also think BSP has been extremely generous in accomodating the special needs of thru-hikers.
There is an opportunity here that you can act upon or toss away. It's up to you.
I like the way in which last year's version is made available to anyone who wants to download it, that's commendable. In fact, this year's edition is already available online! Updates are available online too, I gather. I also greatly respect the people who go to the trouble of keeping it updated.
What I'm wondering about is people like the gentleman from Georgia, perhaps it was yesterday, who had plans to bring his son up to Maine and hike the Big K only to find out he needs reservations and probably found out he could't get them or has to wait to see if someone cancels.
I don't blame that on Baxter State Park Authority. They're doing their job and I think quite well for the most part, and I hasten to add I am very greatful for the opportunities I have had to visit that most remarkable of places, unlike anywhere else.
What I want to know is how the hiking community can better help people to get the information they need to plan. I'd think WhiteBlaze.net could do better. I believe the internet at last makes possible some of the ideas I had in the early 1980s when I attended a meeting, where something called ALDHA came to fruition.
I think we're not quite there yet. I'm wondering if it's worth expending the effort, but realizing, like Weary, who I believe said somewhere not too long ago, something similiar to we really don't have a choice. It's got to work.
What I'm wondering about is people like the gentleman from Georgia, perhaps it was yesterday, who had plans to bring his son up to Maine and hike the Big K only to find out he needs reservations and probably found out he could't get them or has to wait to see if someone cancels.
sorry if this sounds stupid but how do thru-hikers make reservations.
warren doyle
06-15-2006, 22:39
I have posted this info before:
You can climb Katahdin without paying Baxter State Park one penny or having to make a reservation (and it is all legal). (June, July, August,September)
You just have to walk a little bit over 18 miles, of which about 5 miles would be classified as 'rugged'.
1) Camp near the gravel pit alongside the trail about .3 miles past Abol Bridge CG (just outside the BSP boundary).**
2) Get up before dawn and do the relatively flat 3.7 miles (easy nighthiking) to Pine Point arriving there at dawn. Continue on to the summit arriving between 1-2pm.
3) Start descending no later than 3pm from the summit taking the Abol Trail to Abol CG (3.8 mile descent). Get picked up there or hitch out.*
**You can day hike from here if you want, then come back later in the day for your camping gear, if you have transpo.
*You can hitch out to the Togue Pond Gatehouse where you can meet your family/friends at Togue Pond Beach/Picnic area. This would also save your transpo person the vehicle entrance fee.
Happy free hiking!
This is some GOOD info Warren. Even, though I would try and get done before the CG is closed.
Warren, thanks for posting that
Good information Warren. The only thing I would caution is it is very difficult to come down the Abol Slide trail, especially with a full pack. Not to mention climbing Katahdin with a full pack. The other option is for you to stop at Katahdin Stream campground and leave your full pack there. Hopefully you can arrange for transportation to come meet you there or find a friendly neighborhood camper at the campground who might bring you out to the gate at the end of your day. I know I would do that for a thru-hiker if I were there.
warren doyle
06-16-2006, 08:53
Thank you Plydem for correcting my omission. Leaving your pack at Katahdin Stream CG is an option. After descending the Abol Trail, one can either walk the perimeter road approximately two miles back to Katahdin Stream or hitch there.
Overall, I just want potential thru-hikers to know that you can hike the entire AT without once having to pay for camping/shelters.
Happy free trails!
No problem! I love both the AT and Abol trail ascent/descent. I still have a few more ways up Katahdin to try out up there (mostly from the Roaring Brook side of the mountain) but I haven't been to Baxter in a few years.