Conditions on Katahdin in mid April

[kmorgan]

I might be traveling up to Maine around April 13th and having never had a chance to do any hiking up there was considering a visit to Katahdin. What kind of conditions am I likely to encounter?

I checked the weather almanac and it looks like generally in the 30's with slight chance of rain or snow. What might the summit/trail to Katahdin be like?

Any input appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

 

[SteveHiker]

well, that's one way to ensure getting a day pass. Showing up a month early I mean.

I'm pretty sure the park is closed until mid-May.

 

[Stan]

Unfortunately, I couldn't find it on the Baxter Park website but I think the park may be open for day use in April. Their winter rules end Mar. 15 but trails can be closed under certain conditions any time of the year. I wouldn't expect to climb anything big unless you were prepared to pass their winter requirements. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the roads were still impassable due to snow ... or mud, which shuts down much of the state about that time of year. Ayeh.

... and that weather outlook ... that's optimistic b'god.

Check with the park.

 

[TDawg]

Baxter Site

Cheers, Happy/Safe hiking.

 

[kmorgan]

Thanks, I'll probably skip it then.

Kevin

 

[Raymond]

I think Katahdin is usually closed until Memorial day weekend.

 

[Mad Townie]

I think Katahdin is usually closed until Memorial day weekend.

And sometimes after. I've climbed it on Memorial Day in 80 degree heat, but I've also been shut out of reservations for Russell Pond on Memorial Day because the trail was closed due to deep (ca. 4 feet) snow. That was the weekend they had to airlift a ranger out of Russell because the river rose so much!

No problem, though--the BSP folks traded our bunkhouse reservations straight up for 2 cabins at Daicey Pond. Now THAT was luxury!