Date: 2011-12-31
To: The AT Guide - Updates/Comments
Miles today: 0.0

Last Update 09/01/11   Note: my definition of a 'campsite' at a minimum is a previously used flat spot where I think I could get my tent up as well. So it may not be enough for you. Sometimes I say 'small' sometimes I don't when maybe I should. Rely my locations at your own risk :-) 06/11/11-2 added 1120.8 and 1157.7 and 1174.0 items06/16/11   added info for 1174.0-1269.5 I tried to give rough approximation of rockiest areas, and capture some campsites. No warranty on accuracy expressed or implied :-)06/23/11 added info for 1269-1395. For the most part. I stopped trying to track tentsites. PA has them every now and then in case the rocks strand you short of your day's goal, NJ no such luck.06/29/11 added info for 1395-1513. Just FYI on shelters/tentsites. If I don't say shelter has tentsites when guide says there are none, still doesn't necessarily mean there none. Might be the shelter is off-trail and I didn't stay there. If I do walk by shelter and it doesn't have sites(ie., guide is correct), I will try to remember to report that - for next report.07/07/11 added info for 1513-1643.07/10/11 added info for 1643-1697.07/15/11 added info up to 1792.07/26/11 added info up to 1883. Campsite capture very spotty.07/30/11 added info up to 1930.08/09/11 added info up to 2066.09/01/11 added info up to 2181. Also added some of the info, starting from mile 511, that I sent to the guide author prior to my creating this entry.Mile511.5 campground site costs $16.539.5 Exxon Eats and Treats is closed, no internet access.644.0, 645.9 The labels for these two entries are transposed, the Allegheny Trail should be first, the streams second.<<<748. Jennings Creek - says 'campsites' but is signed for no camping atthe swimming hole. I guess you are referring to the pay campgroundsome miles away. If that's the case, I would suggest a campsite symbolwith overlayed '$' to make clear what is meant.758.3 and 759.5 texts should be reversed.787.6 BRP 51.7 water indicated but while I thought I could hear it, Icould not see anywhere. Much better is at 787.9 good flow west (left)30 yards down road.792.3 to 796.7 maybe to 799.1 there is just a mess of errors here,elevation numbers make no sense, look at the distance between 792.3and 704.2, I stayed at 'campsite' at 794.7 and it had very goodstream, there is more hopefully this is a data entry problem and youhave correct raw data.Buena Vista map - library location is not correct, it is 21st street,on other side of block from side of PO, and closer to business 501.No Lewis grocery at indicated location, but seed grocery one blockaway not worth mentioning. No Alexander's ice cream. There is aDomino's Pizza on 501, between 23rd and 22nd.Library hours are 10-530 mo-we, th 1-7, fr10-530, sa 10-1, su closed>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>957.3 THIS REALLY PISSED ME OFF This data point lumped both the side trail to the Terrapin Station Hostel and the SOBO self-registration kiosk together. THEY ARE NO WHERE NEAR EACH OTHER. I walked right by the turn off for the hostel because I expected to see a kiosk there. But the turn off is maybe .2 before the kiosk, and while the services spread for the hostel may have the right info, I was following the data spread. When I got to the kiosk, I had no clue what the problem was, and decided to walk a little farther to look for the turn-off. This literally drops you off a cliff. Still had no idea what the problem was. This is one instance where a map might have sorted things out. But really, if the guide had not lumped to inappropriate things together, there would have been no problem.You have to be careful when multiple landmarks are lumped together on a mile mark, sometimes they are not all that close together, and they are not necessarily listed in the order that they will be encountered. 1120.8 Super 8 and America's Best Inn quoted me midweek rate of 44.95+tax, Super 8 has internet terminal $1/10 min.1132.0 Guide says says trail is 'very rocky' from here to 1138.1. This is gross exageration. Trail tread here had little or no impact on my rate of travel.1143.1 Contrary to symbols, campsites at Clarks Ferry shelter, though much of the area has rock protrusions. I camped there.1141.4 to 1142.8 After ascent is complete, trail becomes boulder stumble for maybe a mile. Greatly slowed my progress. 1148.9 No campsites I saw 'north on AT' unless you consider Peters Mountain as north on AT, lol.1149.8 Contrary to symbols, many campsites at Peters Mountain Shelter, even with some areas fenced off for restoration.1157.7? There was good stream crossing trail after 1157.0 intersection but before 1158.3. Confused me, as I crossed it too soon to be 1158.3.1158.3 the water here is orange, looks like iron ore?1160.0 good campsites after this intersection1168.8 get water before here, this creek is full of moss.1174.0 Days Inn and Quality Inn quoted $70 weekend rate, got Days Inn down to $60. DI Room is in basement, no windows, poor sound insulation.1175? campsites on way up from Swatara Gap.1177.5? very rocky 1184.5 Fisher Lookout rocks/boulders short stretch after1188? very rocky area1192? campsites, two spots1195.1 gravel road very rocky after1195.8 campsite before spring trail1197? stream across trail1203? campsite1204.2 campsite1205.? campsite1208? very rocky1209.3 Port Clinton - per PO person, water available at spigot on front of house at 4 Penn St (look for '4' on mailbox).1211? very rocky after climb out of Port Clinton1216.7 very rocky in this area1221.5 two campsites in this area1227.2 very rocky approaching Dan's Pulpit, all the way to 1231.6, but alternating with easy tread1238-1241.6 includes Knife Edge, Bear rocks, Bake Oven Knob and after. Much bouldering. For KE, suggest crossing by staying low, on flat area of boulders, should hit campsite on other side, and have easier crossing. After Bake Oven Knob, boulders poorly blazed.1243.9 This is wrong landmark. Should have the data entered for 1245.1, Lehigh Furnace Gap, etc. 1245.1-1248.1 landmarks screwed up, 1248.3 should be 'North Trail'.1249.6 Many threatening signs saying stay on AT only. If 'Winter Trail is way to Palmerton (and I'm not at all sure that it is, but don't know what other trail there is) then it is closed.Climb out of Lehigh Gap is great deal of bouldering, by far most yet.1259.2 campsites at, and just after1261.7 road is paved not gravel1268.5? campsite 1269.5 Wind Gap. Travel Inn single room ( a dump, but huge, with two beds, micro, fridge) $53.90 all in. Kmart has single working internet terminal, free access for one hour.1276.6 Wolf Rocks - significant bouldering in this area.1302.9 Blue Mtn Lakes Rd - guide missing text. Signs after road say 'No camping for next 3.5 miles north of road'. Very rocky area anyway.1305.0 Actually signed to Hemlock Pond.1307.3 bridge and water at campsite.1319.2-1319.9 Couple of decent campsites after pavillion (where you can't camp).1322.5 Shelter has huge grassy area in front, easy tenting, it appears. As for road noise, wasn't much at 0730 when I passed through.1329.7 has 'good' something, can't read my writing :-), possibly tentsites?1333.0 'east 120 yards' is more like 12 yards.1335-1338 Unionville Tenting is NOT allowed in park, per sign out front. Back Track Inn gone.1340.8 After 90 degree turn, watch for trail to leave wide path at 90 degrees, to the right ('east' as guide uses it) and head into swamp.1342.9 up top of mountain, sign with arrow says 'water 700 feet', didn't verify. Also campsites up top.1352.8 you will pop out on scruffy road, I couldn't see blazes either direction. turn left ('west') and walk over bridge, then look for trail to pick up on right side of road.1363.6 NY17A/Greenwood Lake Anton's on the Lake $80+tax, 90.50 all in WEEKDAYS, weekends expect higher. Linden Inn quoted same price supposedly all week. Monarch Inn no more. Anton's indeed very helpful, at least with Matt in charge, slackpacked all the way to Bear Mountain, no charge for laundry. But rooms, which are nice, are most expensive for me so far. Country Market poorly supplied, Cumberland Farms $1.70 for Nutrigrain bar, a new record I think. 1381.9-1383.2 Distance between tick marks is far too small to represent 1.3 miles 1383.2 'footbridge' is washed out a/o 6/22/11. There is rock hop which would be off to the right, for NOBOs. (I did it SOBO, think it was easier from my side.)1403.5-1404.6 campsite in this area.1407.3? campsite1408.8? small campsite1409.9? campsite1413.5? small campsite below trail1429.2 shelter has tentsites1439.9 Tony's Deli is definitely .6E from where trail crosses NY 22/Garden Center - I went there.1447.5 data spread comments include 'deli .6E'. I didn't verify, but I don't believe it. I think this is mistaken listing of deli at 1439.9 Services spread for 1447.5 mentions no deli being .6E. Very confusing at the very least.1462.6? Dangerous descent, at least for 58 year-old wearing bifocals.1469.6 Walk CT 4 east to take bypass, then at Old Sharon Road (#2) intersection, walk further 100 yards down CT 4 and find Citgo minimart not mention in services spread. My guess is its more likely to be open than anything in CB. I didn't go into CB.1484.2 To get to Falls Village, walk Water St for at most .2E from here. DO NOT GO DOWN WATER ST TO THE BRIDGE AT 1484.5, IF YOU DO YOU WILL HAVE TO WALK BACK. No pizza place in FV. 'Country Store' has deep freeze with ice cream, some chips, some granola bars, some candy. Open 10-5 Thu-Mon. There is an inn that serves L, probably D, doesn't open til noon (info from country store). Water fountain on green area next to country store.1484.5 comment that starts 'from where the trail meets...' should be on 1484.2. And it's only .1-.2 to what you want (if it's open).1491.7 Riga Roast coffee shop is gone. Verified V. Bretton does offer rooms for $35, kitchen privileges included. LeBonnes is good supermarket.1513.1 Monarch Mountain Lodge $55, not $50 quoted in guide. Mountain View Motel quoted $65, not $50, jeepers. Stayed at MML (has micro and fridge), good choice, very nice room and you do laundry at next-door Comfort Inn. Also can use CI's internet terminal. Both places owned by brothers. $5 shuttle back to trail in morning, tho there was one other guy so perhaps could have cost me $10. Price Chopper, Kmart and a dollar store all in same center a few minutes away.1517.1? Small campsite.1517.8? small campsite, better than previous mentioned.1531.7? campsite on a river.1535.8? good campsite on a creek.1536.0 lots of campsites.1537.0 spring is signed.1538.7 you enter a restricted campsing zone here, have to go to UGPC if stopping in the area. But I hear they serve pancakes there.1545.5? small campsite1547.7? two small campsites around in here.1561.2 Dalton, MA. Tom Levardi will allow you to sleep in his house. Showers, and laundry possible. Slackpacks south from MA 2.1570.2 Mason Hill hostel is closed, notice posted on hiker info kiosk. Per Tom L, has been closed all season.1584.7 Williamstown Motel quoted $59, same as guide. Micro and fridge. No internet terminal. Laundromat short distance. Huge Stop and Shop on the way there from trailhead. HoJo quoted me $73.1603.3 Autumn Inn $65, no $55 singles all doubles. A dump, very musty, but rooms are big. No micro or frige. Somehow +10% tax I paid $75. $10 for ride back to TH, but this guy will go early.1604.7? good campsite.1607.4-1610? four or so campsites in the first half of Porcupine Ridge. Tough to pinpoint without any other landmarks to reference. 1614.6 Should be 1613.6 - look at the elevation. The lookout tower is just past the shelter.1624.6? campsite.1625.7 campsite.1643.3 Only two viable lodging options in Manchester, Green Mountain Hostel, and Sutton's Place. Forget motels they're all too far for walking. Sutton's $55 for single. Very nice room. Common area TV. No kitchen use. Leonard's taxi service does shuttle at reasonable price.1650.4 small campsite at top.1661.2? small campsite.1682.5 looked like you could tent at the shelter.1686.8 multiple wood platforms.1691.2 one wood platform at shelter, I tented at flat spot on access trail.1694.1 IMPORTANT!!!! Guide has Maine Junction backwards - AT is east (straight ahead), LT is west (left), there is third trail to the right, I guess it goes to burned-down shelter. 1696.4 - Only viable businesses listed for Killington are the first two listed - outfitter and deli market. All the rest are closed or miles away. After you walk the .6E road up the hill, outfitter is on US 4 off to the left, deli is on 4 off to the right. You can get back to AT via trail behind the outfitter, but they will have to explain how, and I found it confusing. Needed escort part-way. Lib is around somewhere, but I didn't see it. There is no real town here. Outfitter told me to walk the AT to River Rd (1698.8) then turn right and walk 10 minutes to find lib.1697.1 Mountain Meadows Lodge, $59 + tax ($71 all in) a great place to stay if you can swing it, tenting is a lot cheaper. Inn at Long Trail quoted $47, but no TV/fridge/micro as I understood. MML has TV in room, common area fridge/micro. Laundry for free, saves $$. Just a wonderful idyllic setting.1705? campssite.1707.6, 1708.0 campsites at both locations1718.8 campsite1724.6 Thistle Hill shelter has many tentsites1753.2 small campsite1758.7 IMPORTANT: sign here say iffy water at top of Smarts Mountain, maybe carry some up. It is icky and minimal. 8 miles from here to next good water on other side of mountain.1762.6 No spring in front of shelter, it's down side trail and was minimal and brackish.1771.0 campsite1777.7 they don't like to make it easy to find the trail on other side of road. Go right and watch for it.1780.3 The ! note has incorrect text, should have 'Wauchipauka Pond trail' after the > sign, not Glencliff Trail, in order to make sense.1782.6 crossing road, go left and look for trail.1795.3 small campsite.1808.5 North Woodstock - Carriage Motel, $68+tax, own fridge, micro in the game room. THE 'HANDY WASH' LAUNDROMAT IS CLOSED. Laundromat in Lincoln. Lincoln - there is a hostel at the home of a fellow named Chet, ask the locals for more info. Shuttle Connection is a good deal, $5 to Franconia Notch, $7 to Kinsman Notch, $5 NW to Lincoln (one person). Pricing is on per-person basis.1836.3 John Bartlett took me back to Crawford Notch from North Conway for $30, a fair price I think. He is a nice guy.1857.3-1858.0 Be careful in through here, signage can be confusing.1862.3 Visitor Center - info desk may know about campsite in the area, may not, depending on personnel. There is campsite shortly after you cross the highway and the swamp and turn right, but it is in a FPA and you shouldn't stay there.1863.6? small campsites as you reach first views.1875.1 If Matt is on duty, you're in luck, he's a great guy. 'Work for stay' is picking up trash around your platform, if there is none, then nothing to do. Knows a LOT about the AT in this neck of the woods. Excellent at getting nonfreestanding shelters up on platforms.1875.8 there is campsite on the way up ascent that follows, not sure how far up.1883.1 Price qutoes mid-week: Royalty $91, Tope Notch $89, Gorham ML $58 fridge and micro, Hiker's P. private room (more like motel room, pretty big) $47, has fridge, doesn't take you back to the trail until around 1030 (after breakfast rush), Northern Peaks $43 for 'small room' (good enough for me) fridge and micro, smells of smoke. But I spent two nights there. Arthur Jolin wanted $28 to take me the 3.5 back to US2 TH. Bruce tn 'Golden Waldo' 1 504 615 9497 will do it for $5. Told he works at the WB campground, also does shuttles for the Hostel. Getting to Walmart: there is a Berlin/Gorham bus runs M-F and somewhat less Sat that can get you there. Ask at the info center or any motel. The schedule is a bit confusing but it gets you there. Altitude 6288 Sports is gone.1884.9 There is no brook, nor any evidence of a brook.1920.0 Frye Notch Lean-to has a couple tentsites.1924.5 Pine Ellis does NOT pick up for free from here or anywhere else. Call for prices. There is another hostel in Andover, 'High Five Hostel', advertises $5 tenting, $10 bunks, and $30 private rooms, work for stay, shuttles and more. 207-392-1410 I called to find out more, but I was committed to Pine Ellis and he wouldn't talk.1926.4 tentsite or two at Surplus Pond.1930.5 Hall Mountain Lean-to has sign pointing to tentsites.1974.4 campsites at Orbeton Stream.1993.1 Stratton has a library, but it is not shown on the map. It is (sort of) across the street from the PO in the town office building. It has two computers. Hours are MWF 10-5 T-TH 1-5 SA 9-1.2057.5 lean-to has tentsites. Walk a couple minutes north of the AT junction with the northern side trail to the lean-to, and there is a stream with better water (IMO) than the spring that is at the junction.2066.6 Monson libary summer hours are very limited, something like Mon, Wed, Sat for a few hours, I don't have the specifics in front of me. 2142.4 There is an excellent spring on the sand beach. (A SOBO told me about this, he had been told by a ranger.) Walk down the short side trail to the beach, then look to your right. There should be some sand scooped out, like a child had been digging. It is where the spring should be pooling. 2165.1 No 'bog bridge' that I noted.2165.6-2166.3 These entries were confusing to me. You pop out on paved Golden Road sure enough. Then which way? Normally the guide should say something like '.5w on Golden Road, campstore .4w', then 'leave Golden Road', as this is the reality. Instead it reads like you cross over Golden Road, then come to Abol Bridge .4m farther north. And then .4 later, 'end of Golden Road'??? The related services spread is also a head-scratcher, apparently the campstore is at two different mileages at the same time.Anyway, when you hit Golden Road, go right, cross the Abol Bridge after proceeding .4, the store is on the other side of the bridge. The trail (no blazes to be seen) proceeds straight past the store, and follows the deteriorating unnamed road (on the left side of the power lines) straight ahead. Once you clear a slight rise, a post with a double blaze will become visible and it's easy from there. Do not follow the curved paved road (Golden Road) as it goes all the way to Millinocket. 2181.0 The guide is not very clear about exactly you you get to the Bangor Airport. Sure you can take a shuttle/taxi to Medway, then the Cyr bus to Bangor, but then what? Where does that leave you. Well, the bus station at Bangor is 1+ miles from the airport. You walk down the highway in front of the bus station to the first stoplight, where the road to the airport intersects, then follow that road. BTW, 'Medway' is a gas station/convenience store, you don't go into a town. And tickets are not cash-only, credit cards are accepted.Also worth noting is that Trailways runs a Bangor/Portland/Logan airport at Boston shuttle, and the price is reasonable. http://www.concordcoachlines.com/bangor-to-boston.htmlThe flights out of Bangor can be ridiculously expensive. So it is feasible to consider Portland and Boston as alternatives, using this shuttle. (It of course stops at Logan Airport, but I don't know how far the the airport is from the stop in Portland, this could be an issue.)As for how you get from the Cyr bus stop in Bangor to the Trailways stop, I think they were one and the same.