Katahdin Base Camp and Acadia
\\ New Trial Process - No More Signing In \\ Step 1: Read the Liability Disclaimer: https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf Step 2: When prompted, type: "I Accept", full name, contact number, emergency contact number Example: "I accept. Jane Doe, (703)555-5555, (301)666-6666." This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. LENGTH: Negligible ELEVATION: Negligible. PACE: n/a. DESCRIPTION On this five-day trip we will visit Acadia National Park and on the best of the three days, drive to Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin trailhead. Those willing are welcome to hike to the summit. The leader will not attempt the summit but will provide directions, maps, and moral support. DETAILS Day 1: Fly to Boston (around $150), rent cars, drive to Bar Harbor, Maine. Check into motel; enjoy Bar Harbor. Day 2, 3, or 4: Whichever day has best weather, drive to Baxter State Park (about two hours) past the town of Millinocket. Leader will travel with the group to the trailhead but will not hike; once the group leaves leader will drive back to enjoy the bars in Bar Harbor. Days when we are not hiking Katahdin: We will spend visiting the famed Acadia National Park and climb Cadillac Mountain and other trails. Day 5: Drive and fly back to DC. Everyone is responsible for their own travel and stay at Bar Harbor. We will form voluntary carpools for the drive from Boston. See below. FLIGHTS TO BOSTON The leader plans to fly as below. You are welcome to book the same fight, or a different one. As soon as you book, let the leader know your flight plans by filling out this Google sheet. Before booking your flight, please read the sections below on HIKING KATAHDIN and LEADER PERMISSION NEEDED. Outbound: Southwest 2895 from BWI to Boston departure 6:30 am. Return: Southwest 825 from Boston to BWI departure 6:45 p.m. When you book, please make sure that: (1) You arrive in Boston Logan no later than 11 a.m. (on 8/20) (2) You depart from Boston no sooner than 5 p.m. (on 8/24) (keep in mind Acadia is a 4-5 hr drive from BOS). CARPOOLS Neither the Club nor the leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants, and they participate at their own risk. Once you join a carpool please let the leader know by filling out this Google sheet. STAY Hotel rates seem to start from $150 per night. Campsites are available for $20-$60. Let the leader know where you plan to stay using this Google sheet. CARPOOL AND PARK ENTRY FEES Suggest we add tolls, park entry fees, and twice the cost of gas, and share the total among all including driver. HIKING KATAHDIN This is not your average walk-in-the-park. The distance is only 10.5 miles (via Hunt Trail) but includes a 4,000-foot elevation gain. The trail is rough and rocky and requires significant boulder climbing. The upper parts of the trail are exposed. Because of these reasons this hike is sometimes described as the hardest hike east of the Mississippi. Not to be under-estimated. Those attempting the hike must be physically fit and should train for a few weeks before the attempt. ITEMS TO BRING ON THE HIKE (courtesy: ChatGPT) Plenty of water (2–3 liters, more on hot days) High-energy snacks and lunch Waterproof rain jacket Warm layer (temperatures at the summit can be much colder) Hat and gloves (recommended even in late summer) Hiking boots or trail shoes with excellent traction Headlamp with fresh batteries Map (or offline map) and fully charged phone Small first-aid kit Plus a couple of my own: Net to cover your face (flying insects can be ferocious on this mountain), bug spray, and sunblock. LEADER APPROVAL NEEDED If you plan to hike Katahdin and you don't know the leader well, please introduce yourself asap and present your credentials. Do this before booking your flights. If you just show up at the trailhead the leader will not permit you to join the Club group. ACADIA Unless you are hiking Katahdin you may spend as many as three days in Acadia National Park - not nearly enough time to explore it. Attractions include a drive along the spectacular Ocean Drive, a hike up the 1,500-foot Cadillac Mountain (maybe to catch the sunrise), and numerous other hikes, some very exposed and demanding such as the Precipice Trail, which requires using iron rungs drilled into the rock. Consider a boat ride to the light on Bass Harbor. And of course there are bars in Bar Harbor - DUH! [Actually, the name is supposed to be derived from a sand bar but I have my doubts :)]
