Thru-Hiking in Baxter State Park
KATAHDIN LONG DISTANCE HIKER ALERT!
What You Need to Know for Your Entry into Baxter State Park
Overnight Camping
Until October 15th - At BSP’s Long Distance Hikers site, "The Birches" near Katahdin Stream Campground: Visitors hiking at least 100 continuous miles and arriving at Baxter State Park without reservations may stay at ―The Birches site (limited to one night stay), which has a capacity of no more than 12 (two 4-person lean-tos and one tent platform). Standard per person, park-wide fee applies (2010 prices: $10/person). Large groups or commercial entities will not use the Birches, but will use their advance knowledge of trip itineraries to work with the BSP reservation system.
At Katahdin Stream Campground –Check with any ranger you see for availability of a regular public site (2010 prices: Per site fee – Lean-to $30 and Tent-site $30 (max. capacities apply.). Availability is least likely in August and on fall weekends, most likely mid-week after Labor Day. Friends/family meeting you for the day may reserve a parking spot. Call 207-723-DUPR (3877) for details.
Phone-in, Credit Card Reservations: for regular campground sites (not the Birches), 14 or fewer days before the desired date, can be made using credit cards over the phone—call Park Headquarters at (207) 723-5140. However, as has always been the case, ranger stations inside the Park do not accept credit cards. The Park does not allow ―work for fee camping or other discounts. Please take care of all your food, supply and payment needs before entering.
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 charge fees. There are no other options for authorized overnight camping near the trail after October 15. Your hike to the summit is thus 15 miles (one way) from this area outside 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 III (some trails closed) or IV Day (all trails closed at trailheads) is declared in the morning, when all climbing is prohibited. A Class III or 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. Call the Hiker Info line at 207 723-INFO (4636) for up-to-date information on hiking conditions in the Park.
After October 15th - The Park is open for Day Use only (sunrise to sunset) to ALL hikers (regular visitors as well as Long Distance Hikers), conditions permitting. Again, restrictions apply on Class III Days and no climbing is allowed on Class IV Days, which are more frequently declared at that time of the year due to ice and snow. Vehicular access to the Park usually ends completely by November 1 or whenever winter conditions prohibit safe, low-impact vehicle travel.
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 risk of winter conditions and increased likelihood of harm to the environment. 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.
For further details to help you plan your visit to the Park, please ask for the brochure ―Long Distance Hiker’s Guide to Baxter State Park by contacting BSP or private hostels and campgrounds along the trail in New Hampshire and Maine. Contents include: BSP’s philosophy of management, arrangements for pets, meeting friends/family in the Park, terrain conditions, Class Days, mail and messages, and much more. The Park telephone number is (207) 723-5140.
Thank you!
Baxter State Park
Appalachian Trail Conference Maine
Appalachian Trail Club