Trip to maine next month, seeking beta on shelters

[flemdawg1]

My friend and I are hiking from Caratunk to Katahdin in Late August. I'm seeking current info on the following shelters:
Pleasant Pond Leanto
Moxie Bald Leanto (What's the best spot to see/photo a moose?)
Wilson valley Leanto
Chairback Gap Leanto (is the spring running well?)
Sidney Tappan Campsite
Cooper Brook Falls leanto
Nahmatkanta Stream Campsite
Rainbow Stream Leanto
Abol Bridge CG

Are these in good shape, are there better alternatives nearby? Are there any "Can't miss" shelters or campistes that I should consider instead?

[flemdawg1]

To clarify, I'm not interested in your general "Shelters suck" opinion. But I will listen to any actual campsite reccomendations.

[Slo-go'en]

I haven't been up that way in a long time, so I can't comment on the condition of the shelters. There is nice camping at Upper Jo-Mary lake in the HMW and at least one shelter with quite a view (Cloud pond or Chairback Gap?) You may find a couple of shelters which still have "baseball bat" floors. (tree branches).

In general, it is wise to stay at the shelters. Flat areas tend to be boggy, there is a lot of dense spruce forest and you run the risk of being stepped on by a moose.

[peakbagger]

Cooper brook is generally regarded as one of the nicest locations on the trail. I am not a fan of Chairback Gap (lousy water, right on the trail).

Bring a tent and plan to use it, the 100 MW is extremely busy that time of year and staying in a shelter is highly unlikely.

Nahmatkanta Stream Campsite can be real buggy, nice location along the stream but there is large wetlands nearby that breeds mosquitoes.

[flemdawg1]

How is the hammocking around the shelters. I have both (tent and hammock) but would much prefer to bring my hammock.

[magneto]

I'm going south from Baxter on 8/29 - thanks for the info! I hope things will empty out after the Labor Day weekend...

[SouthMark]

flemdawg1 I had no problem with using a hammock around the shelters. I would suggest the state cg across the road from the Abol Bridge CG. Cheaper and no RVs.

[Mr. Clean]

Yes, stay at Abol Pines across the road from Abol Bridge. Half the price. I don't know what they have for services, though.

[SouthMark]

Abol Pines is a primitive campground. It does have a privy. It is very clean. There are four or so small trail shelters. It is located on the bank of the river and is less than half price. In 2010 when I was there it was $3 a night.

[TwoSpirits]

I stayed at Abol Pines just a few weeks ago. It is beautiful, and yes IS very clean -- thanks to the work of state employees who maintain it. Cost for me (non-resident) was $8 plus tax.

[joshuasdad]

Rainbow Stream Leanto was in good condition in June, water from wide, rushing stream less than 50 feet from open side of shelter. It is a pretty loud shelter because of the stream...I thought it was raining heavily in the middle of the night, but it was just the rushing water.

[flemdawg1]

Can you take a shower at Abol Bridge CG and then stay at Abol Pines? After a week in HMW, I'm going to need a shower.

[rafe]

My info is from Aug. 2010.

Chairback Gap Leanto (is the spring running well?)
-- in 2010, no water, water from a spring 1.7 miles south of shelter
Cooper Brook Falls leanto
-- nice. always water.
Nahmatkanta Stream Campsite
-- nice. IIRC, water was no problem.
Rainbow Stream Leanto
-- nice. always water.

[Mr. Clean]

I don't know if you can shower at Abol Bridge then go across the street. They have pay showers (fifty cents for 6 minutes). Abol bridge is $17 something and Abol Pines is $8 something per night (thru hiker rate). But you could always swim in the Penobscot River right there.

I stayed at Abol Bridge last week as a base camp for 4 days last week and had a great time, but it was pricey at a non-thru hiker price for the family.

[flemdawg1]

can you split a campsite at either place? I'm hiking with a buddy, and we're not sharing tents/hammocks.

[Shutterbug]

My friend and I are hiking from Caratunk to Katahdin in Late August. I'm seeking current info on the following shelters:
Pleasant Pond Leanto
Moxie Bald Leanto (What's the best spot to see/photo a moose?)
Wilson valley Leanto
Chairback Gap Leanto (is the spring running well?)
Sidney Tappan Campsite
Cooper Brook Falls leanto
Nahmatkanta Stream Campsite
Rainbow Stream Leanto
Abol Bridge CG

Are these in good shape, are there better alternatives nearby? Are there any "Can't miss" shelters or campistes that I should consider instead?

Since you are using a hammock, you don't really need to stay at a Leanto. The last time I hiked the 100 mile wilderness, I used a hammock. You won't have a problem finding a good place to hang.

The best place to see a moose is around the ponds, early in the morning. They often wade in the water and eat the vegetation.

Another great place to camp is the Antlers Camp Site.

[flemdawg1]

I see in the 2010 Companion that Abol Bridge coin-op showers are for guests only.

[Migrating Bird]

Since you are using a hammock, you don't really need to stay at a Leanto. The last time I hiked the 100 mile wilderness, I used a hammock. You won't have a problem finding a good place to hang.

The best place to see a moose is around the ponds, early in the morning. They often wade in the water and eat the vegetation.

Another great place to camp is the Antlers Camp Site.

+1 my experience also.

[RED-DOG]

in my oppinion thats the best time of year to do that section their will be AWESOME Fall Foilage, all kinds of wildlife, Cooper Brook shelter is one of the better shelter on the trail, but once you get into BSP their rules gets a little ridiculous.

[Goonky]

Antler's Campsite is wonderful. Definitely worth a stop. Right on the lake.