AT Day 158: The Birches at Katahdin Stream

Daily Miles: 9.8, Total Miles: 2,192.1

A bit drizzly starting out from Abol Bridge. First stop was the ranger kiosk upon entering Baxter State Park. I put my name on the list for The Birches, a campsite for thru-hikers near the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station. A 12-hiker limit but not much of a concern this early in the season.

The 10-mile hike to The Birches followed water the whole way, first along the West Branch Penobscot River, then turning north up Nesowadnehunk Stream and it’s cool waterfalls and finally, veering east along Daicey Pond and Grassy Pond before reaching Katahdin Stream. Today, all shades and hues of green, mossy rocks and trees contrasted occasionally by orange and red mushrooms. I checked into the Ranger Station and got my hiker permit and paid the $10 for the campsite.

Looks like I’m here at The Birches all by myself on the last night on the AT. Early in the evening, Captain Jack came walking down the trail, saw me and came over to my tent. He had finished his northbound AT journey and was starting his southbound return to Springer Mountain, Georgia. I wished him luck on his yo-yo of the AT.