Date: 2008-06-11
From: Suggestions for Southbounders

To: Katahdin suggestions
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I need to make a correcton to something I said in my prior journal entry: I said you might be able to tent in a lean-to spot at Katahdin Springs Campground. That was wrong - Baxter prohibits that. But there are tenting spots in the campground that might be shared with the person(s) who are already staying there - and there is no restriction to doing that.In my last entry I mentioned that the weather classification (on the day you arrive at Katahdin Springs Campground) can factor in on a Katahdin climb the following day. Why? Because the Park Rangers do not post the daily weather classification (1-4) until 7am each morning. If you start prior to 7am you are permitted to climb as long as the prior day's classification (the day you arrived) is a 1, 2 or 3. It's a somewhat risky (but legit) way of getting around the weather classification. Here is the official statement from the Baxter web site:"The weather forecast and Class Day designation for climbing Katahdin will be determined at 7:00 AM. All hikers are encouraged to wait to find out the Class Day notification before proceeding above treeline. However, any hikers that want to climb prior to 7:00 AM can do so at their own discretion, as long as the previous day was not a Class IV. Regardless of departure time or trailhead used, all hikers must register before climbing. Hikers planning to climb before 7:00 AM are urged to check with rangers and check the weather forecast and most recent Class Day, posted at all Park ranger stations, the night before a pre-7 AM departure."I don't think I've ever seen it enforced, but Baxter also has a "cut-off time" by which a hiker is supposed to have started a climb of Katahdin:Katahdin Stream June & July - 12:00 Noon August - 11:00 AM September - 10:00 AM October - 9:00 AM There are similar cut-off times for Abol, Roaring Brook and Chimney Pond campgrouns on the Baxter web-site. Personally, I'd never attempt a climb starting so late. During the summer months it is light by 6am and I would start no later than 7am. Northbounders (who are probably in better physical condition) would also probably want to start just as early. Having all of those hours of daylight can make a very big difference in your chances of summiting and getting back down before too late. And you can set a much more liesurely pace and enjoy the view (assuming the clouds don't "sock" everything in).By the way, here is the contact info on the shuttle service that (in the past) has been a pretty standard way of getting to/from Baxter/Millnocket. I've used them every time. There may be others now - not sure. Minutemen TaxiShuttle Services ¢ Spring, summer, fall ¢ Shuttle services. 70 Spruce Street Millinocket, ME 04462 (207) 723-2000 Be prepared for a shock when they quote you a price for the shuttle. Remember, it is a 20-mile trip to the Baxter SP front gate, then a few miles to Katahdin Springs Campground (where they will drop you off). I think a one-way trip in 2006 was around $55. With the cost of gas I have no idea how much they are charging now. Maybe you can split the cost with others.Northbounders can also use the shuttle to go directly to Medway, bypassing Millinocket. You'll probably catch the Cyr Lines Bus in Medway anyway to head back towards home.Those who are considering climbing up/down the Knife Edge trail could also use the shuttle to arrange in advance for a pickup/dropoff at the base of that trail (which is a number of miles from Katahdin Springs Campground). Finally, the famous October 15th cut-off date is not totally correct. Instead, after October 15th there is NO overnight camping permitted anywhere in Baxter. That means that any attempt to climb Katahdin after 10/15 involves hiking all the way into Baxter, climbing Katahdin, and hiking all the way back out. All in one day. Very difficult. Also, Baxter uses stricter weather standards for their 1-4 weather classification after October 15th. It is even possible to climb Katahdin during winter conditions (legally) but you have to be in a party of at least four climbers, demonstrate winter climbing experience (including certification), and have the proper winter climbing gear. Again, not a easy task to accomplish.In my next journal entry I'll throw out some personal impressions of going through the 100-mile wilderness on a SOBO thru-hike.