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My Longest Day Yet (Day 161)
After a quick breakfast, I said goodbye to the section hikers whom I camped with last night, and they wished me luck on my upcoming summit. The trail wasn’t expected to be quite as flat as yesterday, but generally speaking, I still had an easy day ahead.
Summer is Winding Down
It was another beautiful, sunny day, and golden leaves from the trees above were beginning to litter the trail. Most are still green, but it’s fun to look up and see the few trees starting to change color. In Tennessee, I can guarantee it still feels like summer, so it’s wild for me to experience autumn so “early.”
Rainbow Ledges
Today was largely peaceful and quiet. The only real climb was up to Rainbow Ledges —large granite slabs that offer fine views of the surrounding mountains. I stopped there for lunch and took in the sight of Mountain Katahdin in the distance. She gets closer by the hour.
The (Kind of) Last Shelter
I was originally planning to end my day at the bottom of the next descent. Hurd Brook Lean-to is the last shelter in the 100-mile wilderness, and feels like the last shelter on the AT in general. Although The Birches Campsite in Baxter State Park and the Lean-tos at Katahdin Stream Campground look similar, this is the final shelter on the “regular” trail.
When I arrived, no one else was there, and I figured everyone who made it this far had decided to push another 3 miles to Abol Bridge. I hadn’t seen almost anyone the entire day, and it was still early, so I decided to head on as well. For some reason, I felt the need to take a picture of the shelter before leaving. It feels like a goodbye.
Abol Bridge Campsite
Even without starting my day particularly early, I hiked 23.2 miles to Abol Bridge and still arrived before 6 PM. I didn’t intend to make my third-to-last day on the trail my longest, but it seemed to work out that way.
The two camping options at Abol Bridge (the last stop before entering Baxter State Park) are Abol Pines and Abol Bridge Campground. Both are paid sites, and I picked Abol Bridge simply because there were apparently other thru-hikers already inside.
Upon entering, I was relieved to see OnIt and Horsepower, even though I haven’t known them very long. It’s a little disconcerting to go almost the entire day without seeing other thru-hikers on the trail, and I had started to worry I was the only one planning to summit on Thursday. I hung out with them at their campsite, and we made s’mores and discussed the end of the trail.
An incredible view of Mount Katahdin loomed in the distance, and everything felt so surreal. Tomorrow will be a short hike through Baxter State Park, and we will summit the day after. As darkness descended, I retired to my tent, knowing that it would be my last night sleeping inside it on this thru-hike. It’s been my home for the last 5 months, and now that’s over. The only place left to go is up.
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Comments 8
Sarah,
This close, are you feeling more joy at completing such a big challenge or sadness that it’s coming to an end. I’ve been following along the whole time and I’m a little sad that it’s almost over so I’m wondering what you’re feeling. I plan to undertake this hike in a few years and following your trip has helped me with what I have to look forward to.
I wish you the best of luck on your future journey! I feel ready to be done in many ways, but also incredibly sad that this experience will never be replicated. “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Hell Yeah 😎 What a long strange trip it’s been. I wish you the best on your summit day. For both of my Thru hikes these were my saddest days. I just couldn’t believe it was over. I love Mt. Katahdin. I got engaged to my wife at the sign when she finished her hike. Enjoy the hike up, it’s a lot of fun, enjoy the view and if you have time, hike the knifes edge. It’s a cool way to start your post trail life. Thank you for bringing us along 🙏 It has been enjoyable following your adventures. Have fun, play nice and remember, ” It’s a great day for hiking 🥾” ✌️❤️🧭
So beautiful to hear about you and your wife! Mount Katahdin is beautiful, they save the best for last!
Hi Sarah,
I am so proud of you, and your committment to your self, to thru hike the AT since day one! I was wowed when I read your story recently when you reflected back to your first night sleeping in your tent. I’ve been following you and every note you wrote never hinted that you were “new” at this.
I wish you the best day ever, as far as weather and the challenge, as you hike Mt. Katahdin.
Sincerely, from my heart,
Patricia
Thank you so much for reading! I so so appreciate your support.
Sarah J – From a fellow Kentuckian who has been with you since you started, you are a blessing. Hope your future includes as many blessings as you have given us.
What a kind thing to say! Always nice to hear from my fellow Kentuckians (: