I am in the initial planning stages of putting together my "big" trip for this summer. My wife and I would like to do the 100 mile wilderness in Maine. We are both avid backpackers and are fit. We have hiked in the Adirondacks and during 2008 we did the NJ section of the AT as well as the 130+ miles of the Northville/Placid Trail in the Adirondacks.

We are planning on leaving our car on he north end and shuttling to Monson. Right now, we think that we are going to splurge on the shuttle and charter a float plane to take us from Millinocket to Monson. We are planning on a total of 9 days on the trail. We will be carrying a tent and using it each night.

I am looking for information from the masses on suggested itinerary, don't miss campsites. Basically we are looking for your words of wisdom.

Thanks in Advance,

Todd

Last night I sat down and drafted out a rough itinerary.

8/27 - Drive to the Katahdin Area - Fly to Monson
8/28 - Long Pond Lean-To - 15.1
8/29 - West Branch Pleasant River Campsite - 15.3 Miles
8/30 - Logan Brook Lean-To - 12.7 Miles
8/31 - Cooper Brook Lean-To - 11.7 Miles
9/1 - Nahmakanta Stream Lean-To - 15.7 Miles
9/2 - Rainbow Stream Lean-To - 13.9 Miles
9/3 - Hurd Brook Lean-To - 11.5 Miles
9/4 - Birches - 13.4 Miles
9/5 - Summit Katahdin - 10.4 Miles - Pick-Up car and overnight at hotel
9/6 - Drive Home

I would like to reduce and balance out some of the higher mileage day if at all possible. Let me know what you thoughts are.

Thanks again.

From my experience, the southern half of the 100 mile wilderness is much more difficult than the northern half... if I were you guys I would try to put more high mileage days up north, giving yourself a more enjoyable experience down south.

Also, Rainbow Springs campsite is a not miss in my opinion, especially the water source there... I remember the water at Rainbow Springs as being the best water I had on the entire Appalachian Trail.

One more thought... if you can, try to do the trip later in the season... late August, or even better early to mid September if possible. It's prettier, the weather is nicer, the bugs are fewer... all around a more enjoyable time of year to do that section.