Now that you’ve read the introduction to my SOBO Starter Guide, it’s time to get into the logistics of it all. Questions like, “When did you start?” or “How do I get to Mount Katahdin?” will be discussed here.

COVID-19 UPDATES: This post has been updated with tips regarding the coronavirus. Please practice social distancing and wear a mask! Good luck!

Choosing a start date

I wanted to start my southbound hike in June to give myself at least six months to complete the hike. I also wanted to avoid the heavy July bug season in Maine.

Day 1 at Katahdin Stream Campground, the Ranger Station

After checking lean-to reservations for a few dates I noticed there was only one lean-to available at Katahdin Stream Campground on June 15th and then none for another week. I booked it!

To assist in choosing a summit day you can view Thru-hiker Registration Charts which show the current number of thru-hikers registered by start date and location. Also, join the Facebook SOBO Thru-Hiker Class 2020 to get an idea of fellow start dates.

I noticed at least 12 other hikers registered for June 15th as well. I liked the idea of starting with a group since I was embarking solo. For many, the appeal of going southbound is a solitary and less-crowded scene. While this was absolutely true yet I found plenty of chances to group with like-minded hikers or hike solo.

At the end of the day, it’s important to hike your own hike and set your own standards for this journey.

268 Registered Hikers were registered in June 2018, click the chart to see current registrations.

Campsite reservations at Katahdin stream campground

The first step is to make a campsite reservation at Baxter State Park at Katahdin Stream Campground (KSC). This reservation is for the night of your summit day AKA where you will sleep after you summit Mount Katahdin.

The first day of a SOBO hike climbs Mount Katahdin, a 10-mile 8-12 hour hike. Trust me, you’re not going to want to go much further than the KSC campground on your first day. Fellow hikers, Bubbles, Michael, and I shared lean-to #6.

You can reserve up to four months in advance. For example, for a June 15th summit day, you can reserve as early as February 15th. I booked a reservation on May 5th and there was only one lean-to available on June 15th.

The campground is located at the base of Mount Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail runs right through it.

Everything you bring into the park must be packed out as there are no facilities to leave trash. There are bear hanging cables and composting privies. The ranger’s office sells firewood. This is officially your first night on the trail. It doesn’t get much more exciting than this!

A map of Katahdin Stream Campground. I stayed in lean-to #6 right next to Katahdin Stream.

Please note, most of the lean-tos and campsites in Katahdin Stream Campground have the capacity for 4-6 hikers. You can reserve a lean-to then share your date on the Facebook page to see if other hikers want to coordinate with you and split the $32 camp fee. You will need to list all names on your campsite when you check in with the ranger station that morning.

Register your hike with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

The next step is to register your start date with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Not only is this important for keeping good records, but for fellow hikers. In the bar graph you viewed earlier, those are hikers that already registered.

“Now what?”

Great! You chose a K-Day (Katahdin summit day), you registered your hike with the ATC, and you booked a campsite. Depending on how you plan to travel to Maine will inform the next step.

I flew from Newark, New Jersey to Bangor, Maine and needed a shuttle service to bring me to Baxter. Luckily, the AT Lodge in Millinocket offers a great “SOBO Special” including a night at the hostel and a ride to Baxter the next morning.

AT Lodge SOBO Special

Pick-up shuttle in Medway, Maine
A bunk with linens, shower, and breakfast at the Appalachian Trail Cafe in Millinocket
Shuttle into Baxter State Park

The one-night SOBO Special costs $80 and is totally worth it. Also, the two-night special at $110 is also worthwhile if you want to give yourself an extra day between travel to settle in. I opted for the two-night special: flying and traveling on June 13th, final packing and chill at the AT Lodge on the 14th, and then summit Katahdin on the 15th.

Reserve your night(s) at the AT Lodge online and they will email a confirmation.

COVID-19 UPDATES: Please check the AT Lodge website and for updates regarding capacity and reservations! As of September 2020, “Due to Covid-19 transportation issues we will be unable to offer our usual SouthBound Specials until 2021.” -AT Lodge

The Bus to Medway

After you land in Bangor, Maine, the Cyr bus station is a short drive or walk away. On the airplane, I chatted with the man sitting next to me and told him my plan to hike the Appalachian Trail. He offered to give me a ride to the bus station and just like that, I got my first hitch.

One-way bus tickets are $12 and can be purchased on the Cyr Bus Lines website. The bus leaves the station daily at 6:30 pm and arrives in Medway at 7:40 pm where you’ll be picked up by the AT Lodge shuttle.

COVID-19 UPDATE***FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED TO RIDE THE CYR BUS!***

There’s a Hannaford Supermarket (with beer!), McDonald’s, TD Bank, Marshall’s, and other shops within walking distance from the bus station. If you book your flight early in the morning like I did, you can hang out at the station and likely meet fellow SOBOs waiting for the bus.

Weeks before I flew to Maine, I connected with Bubbles on the 2018 AT Southbound Facebook group. We found out we had the same start date and planned to meet on the Cyr bus. As soon as stepped on bus, we were instant friends. To this day, she is my best friend, all thanks to the Appalachian Trail.

The Checklist

Create a Log-in and book a Baxter State Park reservation: https://reservation.baxterstatepark.org/
- Enter Katahdin Stream under “All Campgrounds.” If spaces are full, look at ABOL as well.
Register your thru-hike https://atcamp.org/index.cfm
Reserve your night(s) with the AT Lodge
Book a one-way bus ticket, Bangor to Medway via the Cyr Bus Lines

COVID-19 UPDATE***Please check with Baxter State Park, the AT Lodge, and Cyr Bus Lines before confirming any travel plans or reservations.

Steps 1-4 can be tricky since they all rely on the availability, especially with COVID-19 still a huge concern. Plan in advance and you won’t have any issues. The last thing you want is to book everything but your bus ticket only to find that the bus is sold out or the hostel is full.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic officially changed how we do everything, including, how we plan future thru-hikes. As long as you take the necessary precautions and practice physical distancing, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your adventure.

If you decide not to stay at the AT Lodge and utilize their shuttle services, you can stay in an area hotel and have someone drive you into Baxter State Park. I heard of many different scenarios but I liked the social aspect of starting with other SOBOs.

After you lock down your travel details and reservations, you’re ready for Mount Katahdin!

If you found this information helpful, please share it with a fellow SOBO!

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