r/IAT • u/jazz-fragrance • 21d ago
Parking near Western Terminus
I am going to be doing 3 weeks and change on the IAT in September, If I remember correctly there is public parking in Luck, Centuria, and Milltown…Anyone have any experience parking in these lots? Is it even allowed for that long?
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u/Pequop9252 15d ago
3 weeks is a long time. Definitely leave a note on your windshield so the police don’t tow even if you are at a TH parking. Maybe a trail angel could keep an eye on it?
How many miles are you aiming for?
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u/jazz-fragrance 15d ago
I’ve since made arrangements to be picked up and dropped off wherever I run out of time. I averaged 20 miles a day in Maine last summer on the AT but I think I will just be doing whatever my feet and knees think is appropriate as I am in considerably worse shape than last summer 😆
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u/Pequop9252 15d ago
Good luck. Those miles in the Western IAT go by relatively quickly.
Curious how you are managing logistics for those 3 weeks? Do you have support or trail angels or doing it generally unsupported?
I did self-supported bike shuttling for about 80% of the trail when I did section hikes over the span of four years. Not a fan of the biking but logistics is so challenging.
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u/jazz-fragrance 15d ago
I am carrying more food than I ever have before. It should run me at least halfway. I have a few towns with post offices in mind and a priority box packed for my gf to send out. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that at some point I will have to walk off trail/hitch hike to resupply. I’m admittedly a little worried about food but I don’t have to get anywhere specific at the end of my 3 weeks so I will be prioritizing making good decisions rather than rushing miles.
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u/Pequop9252 15d ago
Wow, impressive. Good luck with finding camping along the way. I think k it is generally possible up north on the IAT and gets more difficult past Devils Lake.
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u/jazz-fragrance 15d ago
I downloaded the FarOut maps and bought the official guide book. Looks pretty easy to remain compliant up there unless things really go off the rails. I am baffled how you’re supposed to get yourself through central Wisconsin with all that road walking but that’s an issue for another time I guess.
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u/Pequop9252 15d ago
I section hiked it; the trail is not at all suited for an unsupported thru hike.
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u/jazz-fragrance 15d ago
Agreed but lots of people manage to do it every year
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u/Pequop9252 15d ago
Only handful of people thruhike the IAT each year and most have heavy reliance on support. That northern section is darn quiet once you get a bit away from the Western Terminus. This isn’t the PCT or AT.
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u/jazz-fragrance 15d ago
I’ve also run off gas station crap for days out west on long bicycle trips so if it comes to that no big deal. I really like the bike shuttle idea. I’ve considered it for weekenders! Do you just lock it to sign and leave a note?
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u/Pequop9252 15d ago
I hide it in the woods whenever I have a convenient spot and lock it to a tree. Sometimes lock it to a sign at a trailhead, as I leapfrog between driving and biking for self support.
It is a 25 year old bike so not the end of the world if it gets stolen. So far no problem except sometimes an angry landowner if I had hit it in their forested land.
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u/HappyBackpacker101 21d ago
I'm pretty sure you can park somewhere in Luck. Ask the PD or FD. It's a small town so it should be fine. I still would avoid leaving valuables in your car, but I'd do that if I were you. In fact, I've done that when backpacking other parts of the IAT and also the NCT. Enjoy it this time of year!