I am from northern NH, near the same latitude as Mt. Katahdin. I simply can't believe that they would delay opening of the park until May this year. It has been over 80 degrees for the past 4 days! I am really looking forward to starting a sobo hike in early May (potentially between the week of May 7). What are the odds of being able to summit Mt. K before May 31 this year (not positive May 31 is the actual date, I have read other things saying the park opens May 15)? Are these May dates just signifying the availability of shelters? I am not interested in using the shelter system, so I am wondering if an early May start date would be feasible.
Thanks!