Read carefully before signing up...Absolute minimum ability level is STRENUOUS with above treeline winter experience and comfort with multi-day hiking/snowshoeing.  VERY STRENUOUS is preferred.  You must be able to take that Friday off from work.

Join me for a primitive, rustic and fun winter cabin weekend in Baxter State Park.  The objective is to hike the Baxter and possibly Hamlin Peaks...the two highest peaks in Maine at 5268' and 4756', respectively.  Baxter State Park presents a true winter wilderness experience, given its remoteness and that it is closed to traffic during the winter.  Space is very limited. 

The planned Itinerary:
Friday:  Drive up to Baxter State Park and walk into Daicey Pond Cabin (8.8 miles by tote road or 6.1 miles by Foss Knowlton Trail).  Stay overnight in cabin.
Saturday:  Hike to Baxter Peak and possibly Hamlin Peak via the Hunt Trail from Katahdin Stream Campground (this route is the AT to Baxter).  It is the easiest route, but exposure to the elements could still be significant and the weather on Baxter can be nearly as harsh as Mt. Washington.  Stay overnight at the same cabin.
Sunday:  Walk out and drive home.

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  In addition to the walks in and out, there will be approximately 13.4 miles roundtrip with 4200 feet in elevation gain for Baxter Peak.  Depending on group's progress, timing and conditions, it would be desirable to hike the additional 2 miles to Hamlin Peak.  This would make the trip approximately 16.9 miles (using a cut-off on the return) and 5400 feet in cumulative elevation gain.

Total Time:  For Saturday's hike...about 10-11 hours depending on breaks and group's speed. 
Harsh weather may change the proposed route to hike the Coe and Brothers Peaks.

What to Bring: 

• Backpack
• Cold-weather sleeping bag (at least a 10 degree F rating)
• Food for 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and snacks (dehydrated / dried / freeze dried foods)
• Insulating layers of synthetic fleece or wool along with proper shells
• Additional dry clothing
• Insulated winter hiking boots
• Insulated sock layers
• Hat, gloves, face protection, goggles
• Gaiters
• Snowshoes are required and should be adequate for most of the hike
• Additional traction (microspikes, crampons, etc.) should also be packed. 
• Headlamp
• Backpacking stove and fuel (can be shared within the group)
• Water along with filter/chemical purification

Carpooling:  Carpooling will be required and coordinated among all participants, as we must check-in with the ranger as a group.

Cost:   A cabin at Daicey Pond has been rented.  The cost to each participant will be $50.  Cabin is outfitted with woodstove, firewood, propane lights and mattresses.

IMPORTANT TERMS:  Only sign up if you are serious about the weekend.  I will email you with payment instructions when you sign up.  You will be required to pay within 10 days or risk being removed from the list, as I cannot afford to eat the cost.  This is non-refundable; however, you may elect to find a substitute (of equal or better ability level) for your reservation, should you not be able to attend...this will be your responsibility.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know before signing up.

We will be carpooling up together from agreed points along the route, as we will need to check-in as a group (Millinocket).  This will be coordinated prior to the trip.  The winter parking lot for Baxter State Park is along the Golden Road approximately 18.6 miles north of Millinocket.

For GPS Users:  Golden Road (45.834839,-68.962194).