Wednesday, August 28, 2019

MAINE'S HIGH PEAKS TRAVERSE - FKT - RACE REPORT

"All AT hikers must manage this section of trail but few travel to all the high peaks along the way."
-The Maine Appalachian Trail Guide
Maine's High Peaks Traverse is a 36 mile point-to-point route with over 12,000 feet of elevation gain. It follows the Appalachian Trail between State Highway 4 and 27 and summits 8 of Maine's 14 four thousand foot peaks along the way. Saddleback, The Horn, and North & South Crocker are on the AT. Abraham, Spaulding, Sugarloaf, and Redington are accessed by spur trails. Redington does not have a marked trail and is reached by following a herd path from near the summit of South Crocker. It and Owl's Head in New Hampshire are the only four thousand foot peaks in New England without officially maintained trails. This section of trail is also considered the last section finished, fully completing the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 1937.
I had beautiful weather and a mostly great day. Had a hiccup with my fueling system and dealt with GI issues for the last 10 miles which slowed the pace. I think I could have gone under 10 hours if this had not happened. I have been scouting sections of this route and wanted to run it for many years. Really happy to have finally had the time, weather window, and fitness to go for it. Like Reny's, "It's a Maine Adventure!" I hope more folks get an opportunity to get after this route.
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON

1 comment:

  1. I think I'm gonna give this a go in August! (before Kilkenny).

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