https://www.friendsofbaxter.org/news...d-closure-2024
For AT historians, the AT used go through Daicey Pond Campground and one of the cabins was designated for thru hikers. For many folks it was the first major up close and personal view of the west side of the mountain from the dock. Daicey is normally a very quiet campground and at some point, the park decided that increased thruhiker use was not compatible with the other users at the campground and the AT was relocated around the campground down the hill a bit and the Birches was established for thruhikers. I expect more than a few modern thruhikers have dope slapped themselves for not taking the short walk up the road to get the view at the Pond. Due to the alignment of the pond on a calm day the west side of the mountain reflects like a mirror on the pond. It is also hard to beat the sunsets on the side of the mountain. The old AT route is still there so for those that aren't a slave to the white blazes, they can convert a woods walk with no views to a walk with a view very easily with little or no extra mileage
On occasion folks with reservations will leave early or there will be an odd night open. For anyone heading to the park its always worth spending a few seconds checking to see if a cabin is open. The fee is for the entire cabin so its best done for several folks. BTW, there is large library building with a deck and old-fashioned rocking chairs right on the pond that is open to anyone who wants to visit. The Birches is a pretty boring place to spend a day so those heading in the park early (inevitable if you get there early enough to grab a spot at the Park Entrance), its a nice place to spend a few hours before heading over to the Birches.