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Baxter State Park (Day 162)
I think last night was the coldest it’s gotten on the trail since early April. It seems fitting, given that the end of this journey is quickly approaching. I first opened my eyes a bit before 6 AM, and although I was shivering in my quilt, I unzipped my tent door for a sunrise view of Mount Katahdin. She was bathed in watercolor, and truly beautiful.
Entering the Park
I packed up with little urgency, as I’d already reserved a campsite at Katahdin Stream (KSC) for tonight. Without needing to worry about snagging a spot at The Birches, I leisurely made my way into Baxter State Park. There, I met a park ranger and stopped by the information kiosk. Even without needing a tentsite, I still had to sign a sheet of paper and fill out a card with my information and summit plans. Everything was very relaxed, and the rangers seemed nice and helpful.
Killing Time
As much as I tried to hike slowly today and savor all the sights and sounds, the easy terrain made it hard to delay by much. I took small detours off the trail to view “Big Niagara” and “Little Niagara,” two waterfalls along the Nesowadnehunk Stream. I’ve never seen the real Niagara Falls, but I imagine these miniature versions take some liberties with the name.
A mile or so up the trail, a few day hikers asked about my hike and were shocked to learn that I’ve almost finished the entire AT. One of them asked to take a picture with me (which, believe it or not, has happened a few times before), and another kind woman who overheard what I was doing gave me trail magic. Many of the people I passed on the trail today also complimented and congratulated me. And although very nice and well-intentioned, it’s always disorienting for me to be treated this way.
I spent lunch on a large boulder at the edge of Daicey Pond. It almost became a disaster when my phone nearly slid off the rock and into the water, but I caught it just in time. I sat for a while, looking out on the water, but eventually couldn’t stall any longer.
Despite killing time, I still made it to KSC before 1 PM. Today may have been the easiest 10 miles of the entire AT. I sat at a picnic table with OnIt and Horsepower, snacking and talking while we waited for the park ranger to return so we could check in.
Getting my Summit Tag!
We all guessed what number would be on our summit tag and were all wrong (of course). According to Baxter State Park, I am NOBO thru-hiker number 451 to summit Mount Katahdin. I started as number 1604 at Amicalola Falls in Georgia and arrived halfway in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, as number 574.
My Last Night on Trail
I then headed to my reserved lean-to, even though it was only around 3 PM. There’s really not much else to do, but I like having the place to myself and being stationed right next to the stream. The rushing water is nice background noise, and I’ve spent most of the afternoon just thinking. We haven’t had good cell service in days, which makes this both unavoidable and easy to accomplish.
Tomorrow it’s only 5 miles to the summit of Mount Katahdin. It will likely be the hardest climb we’ve done on the trail so far, and also the one I’m most excited for. The end is near. No, the end is here.
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Comments 18
That’s a really nice sunrise picture. Can’t imagine the emotions you experienced knowing tbe next day would be the last day on the trail.
Thank you!!
Thanks for posting your hiker numbers, I’m always fascinated by what number people start at, and what they end at. I don’t know why it interests me, but it’s one of those things I look forward to in posts. Good luck with your summit! We’re all eagerly waiting for you to post about it.
Thanks so much (: I also find it interesting and didn’t really know about the numbers until I was on the trail myself.
Good you had time to sit and think next to the stream 👍
It was lovely (:
You’re quite possibly finished with your thru hike as I type this, assuming you hadn’t finished days or weeks ago and are simply playing catch-up.
Either, way, CONGRATULATIONS on completing the AT!! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
If you aren’t already a member, I’d like to encourage you to join the Girls Who Hike Tennessee (GWHTN) group on Facebook. It’s made of up thousands of Tennessee-based female hikers, with lots of planned group hikes and other activities throughout the year. Maybe we’ll see you for a Middle Tennessee adventure!
I didn’t know about this! I will be joining asap!
Your posts are so matter of fact and to the point, yet also filled with emotions and depth. Im getting teary eyed with what you must be feeling. I hope you buy yourself some flowers. What an accomplishment. Congrats
Thank you so much! I appreciate your words!
Finished or not, I will always be rooting for you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey.
Sarah
You mentioned in your last post submitting Katahdin on Thursday was a possibility. Now it’s Midnight on Friday. I am starting to worry especially with a Nor Easter on the east coast.
I have been following your TREK for a long time now and really excited to hear your accomplishments.
Thanks for commenting! No worries, I am safe back home and just posted the summary of my final day on trail (:
Sara congratulations on your summit day. Haven’t followed the entire trek, but picked up a little along the way. Planning a Thru Hike next year. So many things have changed since my 1st Hike in the 90s.
Would be interested in a write up about monthly expenses in 2026 on trail for planning purposes. Congrats again!
Hops
I’m posting some stats from my hike in a few days, including a cost breakdown! Hope it might be helpful, good luck next year!
Congratulations on a great hike! Reminds me of my 2022 thru. You’ll remember something about this every day for the rest of your life. Enjoy!
Thank you! The journey of a lifetime.
Great pictures that is what it’s all about enjoying the views and living life to the fullest 🤙