Guided or group hikes up Katahdin?

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05-15-2021, 15:14
zeldaminor

Guided or group hikes up Katahdin?

Hi all,

It's been a while since I posted here, but I wanted to pick y'all's brains again as I got so much great info when I section hiked in GA and NC a few years back.

I'm looking to hike up Katahdin in mid-July but do not have a hiking buddy. Does anyone know of folks who do guided hikes to the summit? Or maybe a group hike I could tag along with? I've been wanting to summit Katahdin for years (haven't we all?) and will be in the area in July but am hesitant to attempt it solo. I'm an experienced hiker, but I'm not afraid to say it intimidates me!

Thanks!
05-15-2021, 17:51
Slo-go'en

It's possible, but not likely that there are guided hikes are available. The park is highly regulated and just getting in is a challenge. Doing it spur of the moment as your in the area is the most difficult option. it needs to be well planned in advance.
05-15-2021, 18:15
hobbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slo-go'en

It's possible, but not likely that there are guided hikes are available. The park is highly regulated and just getting in is a challenge. Doing it spur of the moment as your in the area is the most difficult option. it needs to be well planned in advance.

Does the Maine trial club do group hikes lo go in I know the RTC does and use meetup.
05-15-2021, 18:48
chiefduffy

There are several registered Maine Guides in the area that will take you up for a fee.
05-15-2021, 20:26
zeldaminor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slo-go'en

It's possible, but not likely that there are guided hikes are available. The park is highly regulated and just getting in is a challenge. Doing it spur of the moment as your in the area is the most difficult option. it needs to be well planned in advance.

Yes, I've been before and have no intention of just showing up. Since I'm out of state I can't yet reserve a parking pass, and this is why I'm planning two months ahead of time. The park is indeed notorious for that! Although I am glad since it keeps the area wild and beautiful.
05-16-2021, 05:46
peakbagger

Its pretty rare not to a spot to climb the moutain during the week. Do not worry about being lonely on the trails headed up Katahdin. There are always plenty of folks on the trail. Once you have your day use pass, line up at the gate early and get going early. The weather is best in the morning, afternoon clouds build up many afternoons.

Ideally get the day use pass prior to heading to the gate in advance, if you need to take your chances at the gate, you have to wait until 7 AM to see if there are any no shows unless they have some unreserved ones. Worse case if the day use passes are filled up, head up to Nesowadnehunk campground and do the out and back up Doublehead Mountain. Nothing like it on the rest of the AT and cant beat the view since its sits a bit back from Katahdin.
05-16-2021, 07:21
Traveler

As Peakbagger suggests, there will likely be a number of people, both alone and in small groups, that will be hiking to the summit on any day you are able to. Making small conversation with small groups or individuals can quickly find people you would like who are agreeable to adding another to their group. I have met some interesting people this way and still communicate with several of them through the years as well.
05-16-2021, 09:21
Water Rat

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeldaminor

Hi all,

It's been a while since I posted here, but I wanted to pick y'all's brains again as I got so much great info when I section hiked in GA and NC a few years back.

I'm looking to hike up Katahdin in mid-July but do not have a hiking buddy. Does anyone know of folks who do guided hikes to the summit? Or maybe a group hike I could tag along with? I've been wanting to summit Katahdin for years (haven't we all?) and will be in the area in July but am hesitant to attempt it solo. I'm an experienced hiker, but I'm not afraid to say it intimidates me!

Thanks!

You might try contacting NEOC (New England Outdoor Center). One of their locations is located outside of Millinocket, and on the road to Baxter State Park. I don't know much about their guided hiking trips, but they are a solid group to use on rafting trips. https://www.neoc.com/hiking/
05-16-2021, 16:07
zeldaminor

Quote:

Originally Posted by peakbagger

Its pretty rare not to a spot to climb the moutain during the week. Do not worry about being lonely on the trails headed up Katahdin. There are always plenty of folks on the trail. Once you have your day use pass, line up at the gate early and get going early. The weather is best in the morning, afternoon clouds build up many afternoons.

Ideally get the day use pass prior to heading to the gate in advance, if you need to take your chances at the gate, you have to wait until 7 AM to see if there are any no shows unless they have some unreserved ones. Worse case if the day use passes are filled up, head up to Nesowadnehunk campground and do the out and back up Doublehead Mountain. Nothing like it on the rest of the AT and cant beat the view since its sits a bit back from Katahdin.

Thank you for this information! That's comforting to know. A lot of the trails I go on are pretty desolate for miles, so I wasn't sure what the situation was like up there. I definitely plan on getting to the gate at 6 to make an early start of it. And thanks for the alternate trail suggestion! I had not heard of this one before and it looks really cool. This might even be a better option!
05-16-2021, 16:09
zeldaminor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler

As Peakbagger suggests, there will likely be a number of people, both alone and in small groups, that will be hiking to the summit on any day you are able to. Making small conversation with small groups or individuals can quickly find people you would like who are agreeable to adding another to their group. I have met some interesting people this way and still communicate with several of them through the years as well.

This is something I hope to do! I've done this once before and had a delightful afternoon hike with a stranger.
05-16-2021, 16:10
zeldaminor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Water Rat

You might try contacting NEOC (New England Outdoor Center). One of their locations is located outside of Millinocket, and on the road to Baxter State Park. I don't know much about their guided hiking trips, but they are a solid group to use on rafting trips. https://www.neoc.com/hiking/

Thank you for the link! I hadn't heard of this organization before but the site looks great. I'll give them a call!
05-16-2021, 18:01
peakbagger

NEOC is a business in the area that caters white water rafters and higher end tourist. My suggestion is give the AT Lodge a call https://www.appalachiantraillodge.com/. They make their living catering to AT thru and section hikers.
05-20-2021, 17:11
gollwoods

make it a shared plan maybe someone here will go

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