KATAHDIN

Mount Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Baxter Peak, its highest summit, is Maine's highest point at 5,267 feet. "Katahdin" is an American Indian name meaning "greatest mountain". It is located on land given to the state of Maine by it's 49th governor, Percival R. Baxter. Governor Baxter once said;

Katahdin stands above the surrounding plain unique in grandeur and glory. The works of men are short lived. Monuments decay, buildings crumble and wealth vanishes, but Katahdin in its massive grandeur will forever remain the mountain of the people of Maine. Throughout the ages it will stand as an inspiration to the men and women of the State.

Ole Man first saw Katahdin in 2002 when he climbed to Baxter Peak with Two Step & Moonchild. He had started a thru-hike on March 26 and broke his ankle in the Great Smokey Mountains on April 6. That will be another story for another day! He drove to Maine and hiked into the100 Mile Wilderness to meet his friends and together they climbed Katahdin on August 9. He was pretty determined to hike that mountain!

I first heard of Katahdin when I met Rocky & Mike Bosse' in 1978. They both grew up in Millinocket. We were neighbors in MCAS Cherry Point, NC base housing and they have been my friends since then. I find it kind of interesting that I made that connection with Katahdin so long ago. I guess some things are just meant to be.

A question we are frequently asked is,“Why is it so hard to get in to Baxter State Park?”  It really isn't all that hard. There is a  reservation system in place that makes getting a reservation these days easier than in years past. Baxter State Park is a true wilderness park where the prime objective is maintaining the Park in its “natural wild state”; and that recreation in the Park comes second. Appreciating this truly beautiful wilderness is the first step to understanding why there are rules and regulations. These rules must be followed so that visitors can have a true wilderness experience and so that the Park will forever remain a place to find peace with yourself and with nature.

Do I need a reservation in the Park? Yes, you do. If you are hiking southbound we suggest that you get a reservation in Katahdin Stream campground the day that you climb the mountain. The hike that day is 5.2 miles up and 5.2 miles down. It usually takes as long to come down as it took you to get up. The average hike is 8-10 hours. If you are hiking north you can stay in the Birches if space is available without a reservation. If you know in advance what day you want to climb Katahdin it is advisable to make a reservation in Katahdin Stream campground for the night before your hike.  

NaviGator
AppalachianTrail Lodge

How Do I Get To The Trail?????

Springer Mtn

That was our dilemma in 2004 when we started planning our thru-hike. We searched the web...something new to us by the way at that time....and found a contact for the a newly opened Hiker Hostel in Dalonega, GA. They offered shuttles to Springer Mtn, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, so we made a reservation to stay with them. Our good friends from Florida, Greg & Tina, dropped us off at the Hiker Hostel. The Hiker Hostel is owned by former thru-hikers, Josh & Leigh Saint GA-ME 2000. We stayed one night and then Josh took us to Amicalola Falls State Park to start our hike. We said goodbye not realizing that our life's journey would be impacted by that brief encounter.

I got a severe stress fracture of my tibia before we reached Blood Mtn... my hike was over before it got started. So back to the Hiker Hostel we went. Josh & Leigh had just learned about the death of a close friend and needed help so we helped them for a few weeks. And we say the rest is history! Ole Man did continue his hike that year but we returned to the Hiker Hostel for the next 3 years helping hikers start their journey on the Appalachian Trail.

Josh & Leigh with '04 hikers

 Here is our suggestion for how to get to the Appalachian Trail in Maine: Take advantage of our SOBO Special when you start your journey on the AT. Fly or take the bus to Bangor. From Bangor, take the Cyr bus line to Medway(leaves from the Greyhound bus stop in Herman at 6:00pm and from the Concord bus station in Bangor at 6:30pm).We will pick you up in Medway, shuttle you to the AT Lodge for a nights stay, breakfast at the Appalachian Trail Cafe, 6:30am shuttle to Katahdin Stream campground in Baxter State Park.

SOBO hikers

Getting to Baxter State Park takes a little planning on your part. Here are some websites I hope you find helpful.

The closest airport is in Bangor, Maine. www.flybangor.com

Concord-Trailways bus offers direct service from Logan airport in Boston, you can also catch the bus in Portland, Maine. www.concordcoachlines.com ( An easy 0.9 mile walk from the Bangor airport.)

Greyhound bus line also services the Bangor area with a stop in Herman, Maine. www.greyhound.com

Cyr bus line is the only public transportation to northern Maine with daily bus service to Medway,

Maine.www.cyrbustours.com.

Be sure to check schedules before leaving for departure changes, or cancellations. Have patience, bring a book, a bag of GORP and remember...public transport is part of your adventure.

Safe Travels,

NaviGator

Appalachian Trail Lodge 

Our Journey

Hi, my name is Jaime(aka NaviGator). We are always asked, “How did you end up in Maine?” Well, it's a long story but one we love telling. Our journey began with a long walk in the woods. Paul(aka Ole Man), a Vietnam veteran, who spent 30 years not able to walk even one mile decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. His experiences along the way have created his passion for the AT. Our life experiences have brought us to Millinocket, Maine and the Appalachian Trail Lodge & Cafe.  

As this blog evolves we will share with you our story and the stories of the many people we met along the way. We will also include helpful helpful hiking information about hiking the Appalachian Trail, hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine, hiking in general and lets say just about anything we find interesting.

Thanks for being part of our journey.

NaviGator
Appalachian Trail Lodge