100 Mile Wilderness to Millinocket, ME - Mile 2,166

The 100 mile wilderness had the most people we'd seen on trail since Virginia. A lot of people come to hike this section, and thru-hikers seem to slow down or speed up here, so there were many people around. Also, the 'wilderness' is mostly owned by paper companies, and any time we gained elevation the clear-cut areas could be seen.
However, the Maine ATC keeps the illusion of wilderness alive by building no bridges in this section. We had to ford numerous rivers and streams, which meant taking our boots off and on several times a day. We had been worried about having enough food, but we ended up having plenty. We stayed at White House Landing, where we got dinner and breakfast and were able to stock up on snacks.

 Signpost at the start of the wilderness reads: "No place to obtain supplies or help until 100 miles north. Do not attempt this section unless you have a minimum of 10 days supplies. Its difficulty should not be underestimated. Good hiking!"

 We passed at least 8 beautiful lakes and ponds just on our first day in this section.

Little Wilson Falls

 View from Barren Slides

 Summit of Barren Mountain

After a long climb, this was our view from White Cap Mtn (elevation 3,644), our last big climb in this section. There were supposed to be views of Katahdin here.

 The wilderness is crossed by many logging roads, and logging trucks are a common sight.

 Our cabin at White House Landing. Hikers take a side trail and are picked up by boat to get to this hostel.

 We took almost half a day and had great weather at White House Landing.

Pemadumcook Lake, at White House Landing

Hikers getting ready to leave after breakfast

 The boat ride from White House landing back to the trail

 Hobblebush

Stopping to swim at Nahmakanta Lake

 View of Katahdin from Nesuntabunt Mtn, but the top is in clouds

Mother and baby moose, at Crescent Pond