Everything you need to know about Katahdin & Baxter State Park

So you are finishing up your journey, or starting it, and need to know everything about Baxter State Park. Where can you camp? What trail do you take up... and down? Where can you park?
This video I answer all your questions on what you need to know before you get into Baxter State Park to summit Katahdin.
Baxter State Park website: baxterstatepar...
Abol Bridge Campground website: www.northernou...
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[@evanpatten5837]

love the maine north woods.

[@charlieporch3181]

I went there in 1971. Boy Scout.Its beautiful. Never saw any one on the trail . Just a wild open area. Good memories.

[@paulluciw6196]

Climbed this mountain twice. You will need to be in good shape and bring lots of water. You can park your vehicle at the trail head. Start in early in the morning as it will be a long climb. However if if have afear of heights the chicken out ridge will challenge your.

[@swatsullivan]

Thanks for the info! We are planning a trip next summer to climb all the highest peaks in New England starting with Katahdin. This is certainly a confusing mess as far as permits and parking. And now I hear they are limiting permits, though that may just be for thru hikers. I want to take the Hunt Trail, though, and maybe knifes edge. My father will be dropping us off and picking us up, so hopefully it won't be too hard to arrange. We will figure it out soon. Happy hiking!!

[@MACLEISHPRODUCTIONS]

Hi Rory-Bigfoot! All your videos are great prep for doing the AT. I recommend watching your youtube channel, Early Riser 71, and Dixie to all members of our family supporting my 18 year old son's gap year AT hike in 2018. As a family we had a late start from Abol to Thoreau Springs with our 4th grader son. For the descent we helped a heavyset section hiker down the Hunt or I should say my fit older son got us all down and it took us all night to do it. Even with my older son carrying the bloated section hiker's large pack. We made Katadin Stream campground at daybreak. Except for my older son that took the lead position, all of us where incredibly tentative and slow and struggled descending the Hunt, most it in the dark. It was an adventure. Last weekend my 4th grader now 18, hiked from Pinkham Notch up the Lion's Head Trail and summitted Mount Washington descending down through Tuckerman's Ravine back to Pinkham, essentially a easy day hike for him with a similuated AT load. He also does winter ascents and lean-to winter camping in -20 to -40F at Hermit Lake just a short hike to Tuck Ravine, so he is excited about his coming AT quest. Our question is what does the 'FF' mean on the back of your Baxter Peak Summit permit card mean? (you of course circled Nobo instead of FF). Perhaps the FF is for section hikers that do the 100 Mile Wilderness prior to summitting Baxter Peak; which also perhaps qualifies those specific section hikers for staying at the Birches?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+MACLEISHPRODUCTIONS Flip Flop is what it stands for

[@mikemartin3156]

This is perfect timing! Many are approaching! Great job with your channel!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Michael Martin Thank you

[@Inertia888]

Going up Abol Trail on a SoBo hike, I was iin good shape, my legs were strong, but my knees and ligaments are only as strong as they can be. I overestimated the strength of my knees and pulled something in my knee. Very painful. And on my first day, it made for a lot of limping for the next month or so. I had to use my trekking poles basically as crutches. So be careful on that ascent..especially if you are going south and are still green. your muscles can be strong as can be but the tendons and ligaments can still be damaged. Day one can be very exciting, so try not to push it too hard. Take it easy asn live to hike another day.

[@Keystoneexperience]

Great video. Thru hiked in 1998 headed back there this summer w/ my family. great intel brings back a lot of memories.

[@KateGoldauthoress]

Love the longer video!

[@edshelnutt1347]

Great information! Thanks for the degree of details. I plan on going to Katahdin with a friend that I thruhiked twenty years ago as a sort of anniversary trio for the two of us. It'll be his last big trip due to health issues. We'll do that this fall. I intend to thruhike again in 2019, where I plan to descend across the knife edge and then to Roarinig Brook to finish., starting from The Birches.. This information was something i didn't have back then and has been invaluable in my planning. I've been following you,Early Riser, Logo and others to reap the benefit of ya'll's insights and experiences. Profound thanks . See you the trail :)

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Ed Shelnutt Thanks Ed, congratulations on 20 years mate!!!

[@GreetersThru-Hike]

Great info! There was no ranger at the Abol Bridge registration, and it had not been checked in a few days. The ranger at Katahdin Stream Campsite was very helpful. There is no place to drop trash in the park, and you have to filter your water. The privies were good (they supplied TP). Abol Bridge Campground was great! I charged my phone in the shower/restroom. Breakfast was AYCE. 😀

[@Hobomountainwander]

I love the in-depth information about the information about Baxter State Park

[@GGCustomArt]

This is the most educational video I have ever seen. Thank you so much for being so awesome.

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@trailbreeze3998]

Been thinking about the finish myself lately just due to the remoteness. The Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket does have a trail head shuttle, was thinking of getting through Baxter and checking in, then try to arrange a shuttle to get me to Millinocket and return the following day to summit. I'll be calling them this week to find out exactly what services are available and will post what I find here

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Trail Breeze Thanks Breeze. I'll be making calls this week to get info on ways to get out of BSP and get home

[@trailbreeze3998]

Just got off the phone with Jamie at The Appalachian Trail Lodge, they do have a shuttle to and from the lodge to Katahdin Stream Campground that leaves the lodge at 6:30 and arrives at the campground at 7:30. If you are staying with them, you can call and they will come and pick you up at a time other then 7:30 for $45.00. They also have an airport shuttle for $100.00. Hope this helps out

[@trailbreeze3998]

As much as I would love Mrs. Breeze hiking up with me to the summit, truth is if there are not bathrooms along the way she ain't having it, lol. Not a big pee in the woods with the Bears kind of girl, so, I'm pretty much on my own getting around after the hike, lol. She is being extremely supportive of this so I'm just not pushing it, lol.

[@jermainegage2026]

So excited I have friends in Maine to pick me up. Thanks for the info bro.

[@djmikest7477]

I watched all the videos and you are very inspirational. I do a lot of day hiking here in the Brazilian highlands of Santa Catalina where I currently live. I'll be coming back next year to hike the AT. FYI I'm was born and raised in Plymouth Massachusetts.

[@scotbush283]

Wow Great Video with Tons of great information! Thanks Bigfoot!

[@reddmage]

Thanks FB that was super useful information, looking forward to the how to get home video, people keep asking me how I'm gonna get back and I just tell them sea turtles

[@FollowBigfoot]

+reddmage 😂 Very welcome. My tried to time it when before most of you got up to Katahdin. You're getting close!!!!

[@shirleycarpenter3795]

Thank you for info!

[@hallman321]

Great info……again. Thanks for what you do!

[@scottfarrar3441]

Fantastic info...thanks for pulling it all together into one place!!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Scott Farrar Least I could do, it is intimidating once you get up there and the limited amount of resources from the 100 mile wilderness before it

[@Shirt103]

I love Katahdin I make the 7 hour drive every year

[@johndawson2340]

This total info is wonderful!

[@silverbreezeRn]

Thank you. This was so helpful.

[@warcraftnut1354]

SoBo's just have it really rough. All that is day 1 of 100+ days.

[@jbmatt5354]

Love your videos. Thank you. I plan on doing the AT next year, the info you provide has been so helpful. When are you doing the PCT?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+JB Matt Would love to be able to be out there in 2019, but we'll see what happens 🤔

[@timpfeiffer8666]

Thanks for the great info! All of your vids have been much appreciated as I'm planning my AT thru hike attempt next spring. Any suggestions on the best way to get to bangor airport after summiting? Thanks again!

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Tim Pfeiffer I will be covering that next week in a video dedicated just to that topic. I have to do some research and make calls as my exp was different than most as my Parents picked me up and I didn't have to figure out anything. Stay tuned...

[@brendandougherty6679]

How spicy would you like your Chang sauce?

[@brib9716]

You keep mentioning no fee if you have a Maine license plate but the website says "Maine residents". I would think that many people meeting a hiker at Katahdin will have a rental car which will likely have Maine plates. I guess my question is, do they determine the fee by the license plate on your car or will they ask for ID?

[@brianregan1914]

Dudley Trail is closed permanently. I hiked in 2019 and counted on using that trail, but got screwed and had to go down to Roaring Brook when the car was at Abol. FYI

[@0zthehikingsailor]

Katahadin is nothing to fear. Just wear your gloves, pack your poles and carry enough food and water. People day hike up this mountain from 5 years old to grandmas. So it is a really easy mountain if you take your time. Thru hikers seem to sprint up compared to us day hikers. Best of all, some incredible views and if weather is nice, come back down the knives edge eh.

[@FollowBigfoot]

I don’t think there is a “Fear” factor of climbing Katahdin for thru hikers, it’s all the logistics of it. How am I getting to the airport. Where can I stay in BSP. How can my Family meet me there. And the biggest, how can I get my permit? That’s really what I wanted to answer for hikers.

[@PInk77W1]

My main question is When I get to the finish line at summit How do I get back to civilization? Bangor airport ? Thx

[@LostOnLandAgain]

Old video, new comment. Any idea what the closest car camping spot would be?

[@keithskaggs9410]

great information can you do one on how to get to Amicalola State Park

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Keith Skaggs yeah, I'll probably wait until I get through these next few months with my FKT up next and then the JMT after. I think this needs to be hit on before the 2018 hikers start

[@misscandy84]

Wonder what easier going sobo or nb. Both alot climbing still or south bound more downhill then climbing

[@NoloPrime]

@Bigfoot, Trying to get my program together for 2020 I've come across some questions that may or may not have already been addressed in your videos.. 1. If you were to do another Sub 100, do you think you would be faster going Nobo or Sobo? 2. (No time constraints) If going Nobo for a Sub 100 when would you schedule your start date for? If going Sobo when? 3. I haven't gotten my maps yet so I'm curious where the longest stretches are between resupply points. *Thank* you so much for everything you do! The amount of respect I have for those who share so much is unmeasurable! Hope Scotland is treating you well off camera! 😎

[@FollowBigfoot]

1. Depends on when i started, but probably SOBO. Knowing what I know now, I think I could do the AT in 75 days 2. NOBO - May 1st SOBO- July 1st

[@FollowBigfoot]

3. Longest stretches would probably be the stretch from Monson, ME to Katahdin. There are a few stretches of 100 miles if I recall. There are options though to do food drops, like the 100 mile wilderness, to save on food weight, but it’s gonna cost you. If you’re looking at doing the AT in sub 100 you should have no problem with resupplying with the mileage you will be doing every day

[@mtthielsen8342]

I was confused about mileage on another hikers vlog, and apparently Abol and Abol bridge are two different campgrounds.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mt Thielsen Yes, it was confusing for me when I was there.

[@mtthielsen8342]

I've always wondered why more people don't just start or finish at Roaring Brook,..doesn't really add more miles, you would get to do the knife edge, and not have to backtrack. But I live 3000 miles away so what am I missing?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mt Thielsen I think part is they get done and see knifes edge and just want the easiest way to get done and are over rock scrambles.

[@astroclass98]

I am planning on camping at Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area. is that a good place to camp? can i even camp there?

[@melidalopez8646]

How I’m advance are you supposed to reserve in advance?

[@misscandy84]

Are yu gonna hike the pct or cdt

[@kevinlynch3588]

Why do so few people go SOBO? What month would you leave if you went SOBO?

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Kevin Lynch There is actually a much larger number going SOBO in recent years, so much so that BSP is recommending a flip instead. The reason is you are starting at the TOUGHEST section of the entire trail. Unless you know what you are doing and have significant backpacking experience, I would NOT recommend going SOBO. If I were to go SOBO I wouldn't start until mid-July to avoid buggy June and perhaps the trail will be a little more dry.

[@jonnyfly69]

bigfoot. may I ask for those that use gray hound ? to get to there start point, north bound I hear gainsville Georgia, but others say you have to go to Atlanta Georgia, and looking at on line maps finding the falls and grey hound bus depot is a tough one. 2018 is soon to be here and no one has given any other answer, 100 miles away plus shuttle can make some hikers light waight$ not by choice, so if you can help that would be nice, cloud blazing is not for all. thank you for your time

[@rebeccagromlowicz9950]

My grandmother Gladdis Levasseur lived in Kegan maine she married simone who died when my father was nine she remarried an american indian my father always told me i wonder if there is any truth to the stories

[@kenntrch9259]

I'm not a thru-hiker and not on the horizon so pardon the ignorance of this question. Is there an official trail that a thru-hiker is supposed to take to summit Katahdin? In your video you talk about taking the Hunt/ABOL/or trail from Roaring Brook to summit. Are they all official AT trails? I know it doesn't really matter for the fact that you just hike 2200+ miles, but just curious. Thx

[@d2maine586]

hunt trail is the official trail, i believe abol is recognized as an alternate if the hunt trail is closed

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Kenn Trch just the Hunt trail is the official trail. AT thru hikers will take this trail up to Katahdin. The decision for North bounders will trail they want to take to get off of Katahdin. Many took the Abol trail as I heard it was a more safe descent than going down Hunt. For South bounders they will likely take the Hunt or Abol up and then take Hunt down for the start of their Thru-Hike. They will likely want to take a day pack, which I highly recommend, so it is easier if they just take the Hunt up as they will pass the Ranger Station on the way back down to take back their day packs for their thru-hike packs.

[@tobiasreaper4750]

The only thing to worry about is Katahdin

[@someguy621]

Whatabouta flipflop dog?

[@andyandcallie]

I live near Baxter but they don't allow dogs there so I can never go. :(

[@robertwood4783]

How do the park rangers know that you are a NOBO thru-hiker?

[@bobkat5145]

Good question but I bet they have a skillful eye.

[@trailbreeze3998]

Something tells me when you show up with a pack and gear that's so clean and shiny it hurts your eyes to look at it, they have to think SOBO, lol

[@robertwood4783]

Thanks

[@d2maine586]

fyi Dudley trail is closed due to rock slides until 2018

[@FollowBigfoot]

+D2 maine Thanks for the update, didn't catch that.

[@tlougee]

Dudley is still closed with no stated opening date.

[@tlougee]

This means Saddle and Cathedral are the only two options for summiting Katahdin from Chimney Pond. I found Cathedral to be one of the toughest trails in the Whites and Maine so if people who don't hike much are planning to meet you on the summit Saddle is the easier option.

[@algojeff]

@@tlougee you’re totally right. I once tried to climb Cathedral while sick as a dog; didn’t make it for obvious reasons. Surpassing Tuckerman and Bigelow Ravines, this is a tremendously steep ascent. Did climb & descent via Hunt and it was a great experience. Beautiful mountain, anyway.

[@EricVentures]

Awesome vid big foot! Love your vids. Check out my adventure up Katadhin on the hunt trail on my channel!