I understand that Baxter closes to overnight camping on October 15th, but what stops a thru-hiker from camping outside the state park (say at the Abol Bridge campground) and then hiking all the way up Katadin in one day say on the 25th of October? I realize some would consider this a longish day (15+ miles and 4000+ feet of elevation gain) - I wouldn't - but is there any other reason why you couldn't do this? What are the camping options just outside the park? Why all the hustle to finish the trail by this date other than this?
Finally, why does the park close to camping on this date? People 'winter camp' on mountains all the time, why not in Baxter?
Thanks.
PS - I did a search but couldn't find anything to answer this question