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  1. #1
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    Default Flip Flop Rebound

    So I'm interested in advice from past flip floppers on how to get from Katadyhn back to Harpers Ferry for the second half going south. I'm planning on an April start for 2019. Should I be flying back? Taking a train? My pack is an exos 48 from osprey minus the brain.....I'm thinkin it's small enough for a carry on....anyway, how did some of you successful flippers do that travel leg and what would you recommend I look into? Thanks and happy trails.

  2. #2

    Default

    In a nut shell, you get a shuttle to a bus station, from there you go to Bangor or Portland and get on a plane, bus or train as you might desire at the time and take it to Washington DC, then the Amtrak to HF. The devil is in the details of figuring out the various schedules and finding out what is available at the last minute, since you won't know when you'll need to the tickets until just a few days before you need them and since there is no internet to speak of for the last 100 miles, it's hard to impossible to do those reservations in advance.

    When you get near Katahdin, how to get out of there will be a hot topic, so all the options will be will discussed by those around you.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  3. #3

    Default

    Oh, BTW renting a car is also an option, especially if you can get a few others in on the deal. Portland. ME to WDC is 550 miles. With an average speed of 60 MPH, you could be there in about 10 hours.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  4. #4
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    Default

    if you have the time and like letting things flow and go and are willing to go and flow with them.......hitch!

  5. #5

    Default

    Here is an overview of options:

    KATAHDIN TO BANGOR, ME
    From Katahdin Stream Campground to Millinocket, ME - shuttle
    (Strongly recommend spending the night in Millinocket; the A.T. Lodge offers shuttles as well as lodging)
    Millinocket, ME to Medway, ME – shuttle
    Medway, ME to Bangor, ME – Cyr Bus

    BANGOR TO WASHINGTON, DC
    By plane
    Bangor, ME to Reagan Airport (airport closest to DC; technically in Arlington, VA. Metrorail to Union Station)
    (- Dulles Airport, in Dulles, VA, is closer to Harpers Ferry, but it’s harder to get to Harpers Ferry via public transportation from there; you have to get transportation back in to the city center, or take an expensive private shuttle out to Harpers Ferry
    - Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) sometimes has the cheapest flights, and you can take a MARC commuter train from there to DC’s Union Station, but it’s less convenient than Reagan).
    By train
    Bangor to Portland, ME – Concord Coach Line (Amtrak only goes to Portland)
    Portland to Washington DC (Union Station) by train – Amtrak
    By bus
    Bangor to Boston – Concord Coach Line
    Boston to Washington DC (Union Station) – Megabus or Greyhound

    WASHINGTON, DC (Union Station) TO HARPERS FERRY, WV
    Amtrak 7 days a week (late afternoon only)
    MARC Commuter Train Mon-Fri (later afternoon and evening only)

    BANGOR, ME TO HARPERS FERRY VIA RENTAL CAR
    Enterprise Car Rental Bangor, ME to Charles Town, WV (7 miles west of Harpers Ferry) - extra charge for one-way rental which may be significant, one-way rental not always available, book in advance. Use ATC hiker discount code: W15509.
    Shuttle; Uber; or EPTA bus (Mon-Fri. only)
    Last edited by Lauriep; 07-30-2018 at 13:20.

  6. #6
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    04-21-2015
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    San Antonio TX
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    Default

    You can also catch a train from New York.

  7. #7
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    10-17-2007
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    Default

    Or you can hike from DC to HF along the C&O Canal. In Georgetown you can stay at the 4 Seasons for 800$ per night. There are campsites once you get out of the city. Foot paths connect both Union Station and DCA airport to the start of the canal.

    Or you can fly to ATL airport, shuttle to Springer, and hike the AT back to HF.

  8. #8
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    01-25-2013
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    Upstate NY
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Slo-go'en View Post
    Oh, BTW renting a car is also an option, especially if you can get a few others in on the deal. Portland. ME to WDC is 550 miles. With an average speed of 60 MPH, you could be there in about 10 hours.
    The only problem may be keeping up that 60 MPH average while staying on a direct route with the traffic often found in the major areas one would pass through between the two.

  9. #9
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    07-25-2018
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    harrisonburg,va
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    Default

    I like it 'oddmanout'....thinkin out of the box! thanks everone, very good info! I wasn't expecting that level of detail. This really was the kind of info I was needing but didn't realize it. -blazrais

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