[at-l] KATAHDIN THRU HIKER ALERT 2002

[Snodrog5@aol.com (Snodrog5@aol.com)]

Posted at the new Info Kiosk on the AT .5 miles inside the Park Boundry at 
the AT/Blueberry Ledges trail junction.
just fyi, please note that 'Hiker's Dream' has been renamed 'The Birches'.
~TJ

KATAHDIN THRU HIKER ALERT 2002

What You Need to Know for Your Entry into Baxter State Park Overnight Camping


Until October 15th BSP's Distance Hikers site, "The Birches" near Katahdin 
Stream Campground: Thru-hikers without reservations may stay at "The Birches" 
site (limited to one night stay), which has a maximum capacity of 12 (two 
4-person lean-toes and one tent platform, standard per person, park-wide fee 
applies.)

At Katahdin Stream Campground - There are no Thru-Hiker designated sites, but 
you may check with any ranger you see for availability of a regular public 
site (at regular fee). Availability is least likely in August and on fall 
weekends, most likely mid-week after Labor Day.

After October 15th There is NO overnight camping ANYWHERE within the Park so 
you will need to: Camp at the private Abol Bridge Campground/OR the Maine DOC 
Abol Pines Campsite just downriver of Abol Bridge. Both sites charge fees. 
There are no other options for authorized overnight camping near the trail 
after October 15th. Your hike to the summit is thus 15 miles (one way) from 
this area out side the Park. Most late hikers end up staying in a motel in 
Millinocket instead, and hire a taxi to shuttle them in and out of the Park 
on the day of their hike.


Your Climb of Katahdin 


Until October 15th No restrictions unless a Class IV day ( All trails closed 
at trailheads) is declared in the morning, when all climbing is prohibited. A 
Class IV day is declared when there are dangers and risks to (1) hikers, (2) 
those who may have to be called on for Search and Rescue efforts, and (3) the 
fragile alpine environment itself.

After October 15th - The Park is open for Day Use only (sunrise to sunset) to 
all hikers (regular visitors as well as Thru-Hikers), conditions permitting. 
Again, no climbing permitted on Class IV days, which are more frequently 
declared at that time of the year. November 1st - Vehicular access to the 
Park usually ends completely by November 1st, or whenever conditions that 
pose a threat to the resource have locked in for the season.

The ATC, the MATC and the Park all strongly recommend you complete your climb 
of Katahdin before October 15th - after that there is too high a risk of 
winter conditions and great harm to the resource. If you do not feel you can 
reach katahdin by that date you may wish to "Flip-Flop", climbing Katahdin 
earlier and returning to the rest of your hike afterwards.

Please contact the Park or ask for the BSP brochure on thru-hiking at private 
hostels and campgrounds along the trail in New Hampshire and Maine. This will 
give you further details to help you plan your visit to the Park. Contents 
include: BSP's philosophy of management, arrangements for pets, meeting 
friends/family in the Park, terrain conditions and Class Days, mail and 
messages, and much more. The Park telephone number is (207)723-5140. 





    
    



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