Slackpacking

Want to take a break from sleeping in a lean-to but don’t want to lose miles? Interested in doing a short stretch of trail but don’t know how to break it up…or where to get out of the woods? Just talk to us!!

Shaw’s and its staff specialize in working with you to create the perfect hiking day, beginning with a great breakfast and transportation to a trail head and finishing it off with pick-up service, a hot shower, and a comfy bed. It’s the best of both worlds!

We can also coordinate food drops at various places along the trail, all the way from Caratunk to Katahdin. Please inquire for logistics and pricing! 

​SHAW's HIKER HOSTEL​

Groups/Troops/Camps

 Shaw’s regularly hosts groups of students, Scouts, and summer campers who are looking to experience hiking in the Maine woods! If you are in charge of event planning for such a group, please call or email us to discuss reservations, lodging, meal options, and pricing.  Ask about renting The Cottage for your group (it's a private space that sleeps up to 8).

Thru hikers and section hikers

Shaw's is a full service stop on the Appalachian Trail. We offer a variety of rooms, hot showers, a full breakfast, laundry, wifi, and a full gear shop onsite (Poet's Gear Emporium).  We will shuttle, slack pack, receive mail drops, and arrange food drops. As experienced hikers, it's our pleasure to help you plan or just reminisce.

100 Mile Wilderness Food Drops and Resupply

The 100 Mile Wilderness from Monson, Maine to Abol Bridge on the West Branch of the Penobscot river is the longest remote section of the Appalachian Trail. Northbound and southbound AT hikers can receive a food drop/resupply at three locations along the 100 Mile Wilderness. This will help you manage your pack and lessen the weight you are carrying.

We offer food drops at the Katahdin Ironworks Road (30 miles north), the Kokadjo B-Pond Road (53.3 miles north), Jo Mary Road (60 miles north). Some people choose to do two drops, but typically most people choose one of the last two options for a midway drop. We meet you on trail to hand off the food and bring a complimentary cold drink (beer or soda). There is cell reception on the peaks in case you need to make a change to the prearranged time or day, and we are very flexible concerning those changes.  Handing off the food ensures that your supplies will be in safe hands during your hike (we will always adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines. This also means we can bring last minute items that you may need!

***Contact us for more information and other available food drop and resupply locations.

​​​ON THE EDGE OF THE HUNDRED MILE WILDERNESS