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