For northbound hikers in Georgia, the first food resupply is 30 miles from the terminus. A sharp contrast for southbound hikers, the first resupply is impressively 100 miles from Mount Katahdin. The 100-mile wilderness marks the longest section on the Appalachian Trail.

For the final stretch of Highlight’s SOBO Starter Guide, I’ll discuss this beautiful section, my stoveless strategy, cell service, water sources, shelters, and a few other insider tips to help you enjoy the first section of a southbound hike.

How many days does it take?

Depending on your mindset and fitness, the 100-mile wilderness will take some hikers 10 or 11 days. For others, 3 or 4 days. If you prefer to take your time and hike 8 miles per day, that's totally cool, too. Most nourthbound hikers you see will be through this section is less than 4 days. Since you're starting out, I can only suggest that you enjoy the days yet still push yourself. By day 6 or 7, you might be ready for a well-deserved hot shower.

Not including my summit day, it took me 7 days to complete this section, leaving Katahdin Stream Campground on June 16th and arriving in Monson on June 22nd. For reference, here's my 100MW breakdown with days, shelters, and mileage:

June 15 - mile 5.2 Mount Katahdin summit day, Katahdin Stream Campground(10.4 miles)

June 16 - mile 26.3 Rainbow Lake Campsite (21.1 miles)

June 17 - mile 38.6 Nahmakanta Lake, side trail east to sand beach(12.3 miles)

June 18 - mile 59.7 Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to(21.1 miles)

June 19 - mile 71.4 Logan Brook Lean-to(11.7 miles)

June 20 - mile 88.5 Chairback Gap Lean-to (17.1 miles)

June 21 - mile 104.1 Wilson Valley Lean-to (15.6 miles)

June 22 - mile 114.5 ME 15, Shaw's Hiker Hostel, Monson, ME(10.4 miles)

100-Mile Wilderness, In-depth

ABOL Bridge Campground & Store

We're told the 100-mile wilderness is the longest section without options for food resupply. This is almost true. Ten miles from Katahdin Stream Campground lies the Abol Bridge Campground and Store. Stocked with typical campground fare, chips, ice cream, beer, sodas, pre-fab sandwiches, it's a pricey perk to a wilderness experience. It was noon when I passed the store and thought I'd treat myself to lunch. I picked up a roast beef and cheese sandwich, powdered donuts, and a Baxter Brewery I.P.A. While I don't recommend you totally rely on this store as a resupply point, you can surely supplement your appetite.

White House Landing

Forty miles from Katahdin Stream Campground marks the blue blazed trail for White House Landing Camps. Situated on a lake front property, White House Landing will pick you up in a boat and bring you to the camp. All amenities require you to stay overnight at $35 per person for a bunk, $45 for a semi-private, and $85 for a double bed (plus tax). Showers and device charging is included, but food is an additional charge. Personally, I wanted a longer wilderness experience without creature-comforts so I skipped it. One day, I would love to visit White House Landing and stay there myself. Reference the AWOL Guidebook or Guthook for more up-to-date information and comments.

Food strategy

Ten days of food equates to a pretty heavy food bag, almost 20 lbs. However, it will get lighter every day! If you plan it right and hit your milestones, you could walk into Monson with a near-empty food bag. This was my strategy and I opted to carry all my food for the 100-mile wilderness.

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For the first time in 8 days: a hot shower, savory bacon, and sorting trail trash.

Elevation gains and Amazing views

The first thirty miles after Katahdin Stream Campground are the flattest with the least amount of elevation gain. But by day two, you'll start to feel the gains and be rewarded with awesome views. One of my favorite moments from the 100MW was the sunrise hike up to White Cap Mountain. You can time this perfectly if you camp at the Logan Brook Lean-to and set your alarm for 3:30 a.m., pack up camp and start hiking by 4 a.m. You'll be rewarded with excellent views of Katahdin and a unique perspective on how far you've come.

Cell service

I have AT&T and didn't pick up cell service until White Cap Mountain, about 65 miles from Katahdin Stream Campground. Then again later at Barren Mountain, near the remnants of a fire tower, at 91 miles. If you plan to stay at Shaw's Hiker Hostel in Monson, they prefer you give a headsup to reserve your bed. If you get cell service at any of these peaks, it's a good idea to give them a quick call and let them know how many days you'll arrive.

River Crossings and Water Sources

River crossing in the 100-mile wilderness

The 100-mile wilderness is full of amazing rivers, streams, and water falls. Taking a moment to pause and observe these waterways was my favorite part of this section. At Mountain View Pond outlet, I even saw a moose from across the pond!

I usually take a food break and filter water at these beautiful water crossings, waterfalls or streams. If you want a great handsfree method to filter water, read this blog post! I now use a Cnoc water bladder, a coupling piece, and the Sawyer water filter to complete my system. I didn't use this method when I hiked through the 100-mile wilderness and wish I did. It will give you more time to enjoy the scenery and less time squeezing water bottles.

Fording rivers is unavoidable in the 100-mile wilderness. However, it's not as intimidating as it sounds. I truly enjoyed these moments since I could take off my shoes and get a refresh in the cool water. I carried Teva camp sandals with me on my AT hike, so these made great river crossing shoes. For me, the crossings never got above knee-high. The water level will also depend on the recent rainfall so pay attention to the weather. A good pair of trekking poles, water shoes, and you're set to trek through water.

Thank you for reading

That wraps it up for Highlight's SOBO Starter Guide! I’ve compiled my tips and tricks for getting to Baxter State Park, how to have a successful day on Mount Katahdin, and what you need to know for the 100-mile wilderness. Navigating the start of a new adventure doesn't have to be intimidating. I hope this helps you get a jumpstart on your thru-hike and be sure to leave a comment if you found this helpful!