I am in the midst of planning my last section of the AT from Stratton to Katahdin for late June-July. I had been thinking of driving from Maryland to Stratton and leaving my car at the Hostel of Maine. Unfortunately, based on the prices quoted on their website, they charge $15 a day to park your car at the hostel. A shuttle back from either Millinocket or KSC to Stratton will likely cost in the neighborhood of $225-$250. So parking and shuttles would cost close to $500, which seems steep, not to mention gas, etc. to drive over 600 miles each way.

Has anyone found a less costly solution in terms of transportation and parking? Can you safely park your car at Maine Route 27 for two weeks or so? Has anyone left their car at the Stratton Motel? I know one shuttle driver--Squirrel--who can probably quote a better rate if he's available--my main concern is figuring out if driving is the best budget option or flying and shuttles.