100 mile wilderness

[poison ivy]

Interesting info. I'm getting pumped now!

Me too! Thanks everyone for all of the suggestions. I had mapped out two different plans -- a seven day trip that I'd be pushing myself with and a nine-day trip that would be a little more leisurely and give me time to explore a lot more. Since I'll probably end up heading out there nine days, I'll have to revise to include a stay at Antlers (which was on the shorter trip, but not the longer one.)

Askus3 -- Another great report. I particularly appreciate the hiking statistics... it gives me some sort of guideline even though I'll likely be a little slower.

Please keep the suggestions coming as they've all been extremely helpful! I can't wait for this trip.

- Ivy

 

[pedxing]

I found two books to be really helpful:

The ATC's: Appalachian Trail Guide: Maine. The topos are really indispensible - and a good place to scribble some notes.

Hikes in Northern New England : New Hampshire Maine (Exploring the Appalachian Trail). It treats the 100 mile wilderness as a single hike and its trail descriptions are helpful. I carried it last time and it helped me find the trail at two road crossing points (I've since stopped carrying guide books). I assume there is a new edition, but even the old one should be pretty useful for the 100 mile wilderness.

(I'm also enjoying this discussion - this hike was the trip that got me hooked on longer hikes and I still love to remember it. I'm looking forward to the vicarious pleasures of reading several VFTT 100 mile wilderness trip reports. Add to that I am planning my first longer trip since 2003).

 

[Stan]

I haven't hiked it yet but between my research and reconnaisance of potential cache spots, I feel like I have.

My approach will be from south to north starting in Monson and ending less than a week later around West Branch Pond (about halfway). That would give me a luxury of time to spot caches (I intend to eat and drink hearty on this trip), enjoy some time hanging out at what promises to be some beautiful campsites and swimming holes and concluding with reconnaisance of access on the northern half for part 2 next time and for a future wilderness paddle, mostly flatwater, that I call my 50-mile wilderness paddle (it parallels at AT for about 10-20 miles).

No dates set, probably late July/early August if I hike it this year. Would be interested in joining up with a group of 4-8 including a couple others in my party.