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Home » Reader Survey Day: Should Appalachian Trail Be Rerouted Away From Katahdin?

Reader Survey Day: Should Appalachian Trail Be Rerouted Away From Katahdin?

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Published Date

September 2, 2015

Mount Katahdin Wikipedia

Is the top of Mount Katahdin an appropriate place to celebrate your thru-hike on the A.T. with Champagne and camera crews?/kworth30 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kworth30/2275256845/ via Wikipedia

A Champagne-doused celebration of an ultramarathoner's record run up the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that finished atop Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine didn't set well with Jensen Bissell, the state park's director. He has suggested moving the trail out of the park, in part because of growing crowds of hikers and their celebrations.

Last November the park director complained to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy about the behavior of some thru-hikers upon reaching Katahdin, saying there's too much litter, some groups are too large, and at times there is too much alcohol consumption. If such behavior wasn't curbed, Mr. Bissell went on, he'd see that the state park no longer allow the A.T. to run through it.

The recent record-setting run of the trail by Scott Jurek, who carried corporate sponsorship in his attire and support vehicle and was followed by a video and camera crew, drew a rebuke from the park director.

What do you think? Is Mr. Bissell going overboard, or are hikers getting too rambunctious upon reaching the end of their 2,185-mile trek and celebrating in a manner inappropriate for the setting?

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Comments

Submitted by Rick on September 2, 2015 - 9:59am.

They are going overboard, though no doubt there is also some hiker abuse. The obvious solution is one that works too great effect in other places like the Green Mountains and Adirondacks - a summit steward.


Submitted by Woodman on September 2, 2015 - 7:57pm.

The ATers brought this on themselves. End it at Abol Bridge.


Submitted by Don on September 2, 2015 - 8:48pm.

There has been too many restrictions set byour so called leaders, This is the peoples country. as long as they are respectfull let them stay on the trail.


Submitted by Lee Dalton on September 2, 2015 - 10:10pm.

Okay, anon, agreed.  BUT when they are not respectful, then what?


Submitted by Rick B. on September 2, 2015 - 10:31pm.

 We wouldn't be having this discussion about "over reaching so called leaders" if people hadn't been screwing the pooch.


Submitted by ecbuck on September 3, 2015 - 8:02am.

"BUT when they are not respectful, then what?"

You punish them not everyone else.  My experience was that the typical AT thru hiker was far more respectfull of the trail than the typical citizen. 


Submitted by Retired Maine teach on September 3, 2015 - 8:42am.

Please get you facts straight concerning Scott Jurek.  


Submitted by The Chief on September 15, 2015 - 5:24am.

I love how the modern response to issues seems to be the equivolent of sticking our tongues out saying "nah-nah-nah, you can't use it, you can't use it"  Grow up park director.


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