Originally Posted by
rickboudrie
I was wondering if any of the class of 2006 has considered ending thier NOBO on the far side of Katahdin?
In the past I can see why it made the most sense to come down the way you went up-- in part because you were assured of a place to stay at (the now closed) Daicy Pond Campsite the evening you came down. But now, thru hikers don't have that guarantee, right? As I understand things, you are supposed to stay just one night at the Birches. And that one night would most assuredly be the one before your summit. I think, anyway.
The big down side to my idea is that you would have to carry a pack up Katahdin. Still, your pack will never be lighter. On your last day, you will hardly feel it!
I think the upside couild be huge, however. If the weather is good you can cross the Knife Edge. Its about a mile with drop offs on either side. There is absolutely nothing like it in the East. If the weather is bad, or if you get a bit of vertigo, you can alway decend by another route, which will take you by a beautiful pond to the "North"-- and on a short spur by another pond with a magnificent view of Katahdin that most thru hikers never see. I think TJ has posted some good moose shots from it.
Another thing is that the campground you would end up at is Roaring Brook. Among other facilities it has a bunkhouse. Things may have changed, but it used to be that the bunkhouses often had cancellations. You could check into this before you cimb Katahdin, or just take a chance. Well, not sure about the taking a chance part. YMMV. Or shoul I say your style may vary.
Anyway, I'm not suggesting that this is the best idea for everyone. It most certainly isn't the norm. I just think that it would be an option that some NOBOs might well consider.
Even if most won't!