Starting in Maine - need info

[Suzzz]

Hi guys,

I plan to start the AT in September. Doing it all at once is not an option for me so I'll be doing it through the course of a few years.

I have all the information I need for the AT itself, but what I'm having problems finding is the actual length of the trail to get to the top of Mount Katadhin from Baxter State Park. I went on a few websites but couldn't find anything. I'm sure the info is out there but it's like when you're looking for that specific item at the grocery store, you can't see it although it's right in front of you.

So here are a few questions: Will I need more than a day to get to the top of Mount Katadhin? How many miles is it? Is there camping up there? All the reading I've done tells me the trail is well marked. Is that an actual fact or wishfull thinking?

Either the answer to my questions or a link to a site would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Jack Tarlin]

Check out www.aldha.org and look for the "On Line Thru Hikers Companion" which will give you the mileage information you need as well as other things.

There are many websites for info on Katahdin; try www.baxterstate parkauthority.com for starters, which has everything you'll need to know about visiting the park.

[Heater]

So here are a few questions: Will I need more than a day to get to the top of Mount Katadhin? How many miles is it? Is there camping up there? All the reading I've done tells me the trail is well marked. Is that an actual fact or wishfull thinking?


5.2. from the Birches shelters.



Either the answer to my questions or a link to a site would be appreciated.


Here's one. Scroll all the way to the right for SOBO info.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/index.php?page=shelters (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/../index.php?page=shelters)

[Askus3]

Check out my trip report for Sept. 2002 in this thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9422). The trail route has not changed much in Baxter Park in the last 5 years and the accompanying photo log will give you a good idea of what the trail looks like in Baxter Park.

[StarLyte]

Try and attend the Gathering in Gettysburg PA in October

http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm

Good luck !

[modiyooch]

10.4 round trip. 4000 foot elevation gain in 5.2 miles. Only take a day pack but carry warmer clothes. Prepare to rock scramble. Either stay at the campground at the base the night prior or arrive at the park at 5 am to get a parking spot.

[TJ aka Teej]

Will I need more than a day to get to the top of Mount Katadhin? How many miles is it? Is there camping up there? All the reading I've done tells me the trail is well marked. Is that an actual fact or wishfull thinking? Welcome to WhiteBlaze! :welcome
Katahdin is in Baxter State Park. It's a 5.2 mile hike up (10.4 round trip) to Baxter Peak (the AT terminus) from Katahdin Stream Campground. If you're in reasonable shape, in September if you start before dawn you should be back down before dark. There's no camping on the mountain. The AT is extreamely well marked. I always suggest to southbounders that they book two nights (before and after your climb) at a lean-to in Katahdin Stream Campground. Call the Park and talk with one of the Rangers who book reservations, they're the finest kind, and always eager to help new visitors.
have fun!

[Alligator]

There is also a database here at WB that can help with your planning efforts.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=340867

[Suzzz]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll certainly be back with more questions.