Whether youre a long-distance backpacker, a peak bagger, or just someone looking for the best hiking that New England has to offer, a trip to Katahdin has adventure written all over it! You still need to gain thousands of feet in elevation, however, youre able to do so in more mileage. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdins South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). Being above treeline means you are fully exposed to the elements including wind, rain, hail, fog, lightning, snow, and cold. Exhilarating and difficult but not too hard. I and a few classmates from Bowdoin again sheltered at Chimney Pond, climbed to the summit (timed to arrive just before sunrise, which we did), and again did the Knife Edge. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. There are several options for hiking Mount Katahdin.The Easiest, 10.4 Mi. Not anytime soon. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive.His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion.According to a tweet from his son, MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe. To get there, youll take Interstate 95 to exit 244, then wind your way west on route 157 through the logging communities of Medway and East Millinocket until you reach Maines biggest small town. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. Be sure to pack a lightweight EMS. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. Knife Edge is a 1.1 mile fully exposed, technical hike. has these chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag that are just killer! This airy perch offers an equally stunning view of the surrounding terrain and immeasurably more solitude. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. We made it back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm. He studied civil engineering and graduated with honors. With beautiful weather, I decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well for 11 miles of hiking with about 4,600ft of elevation gain. If youre prepared and careful, however, the 360-degree view of the incredible rocky trail and inner basin are sights worth seeing. A Day Use Reservation will be held for you until 7:00 AM on the day of your planned hike; after this time, your spot will be given to other hikers on a first come first serve basis.Maine residents have a leg up on other hikers. You would smell too after hiking 2,190 miles over the course of 5-7 months. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. The first view up Katahdin is at around 2.4 miles, but the "peak" that is visible is actually just where the slide turns into the "Tableland" plateau. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. According to the Brookings-Smith website, Mr. Stetson always lived his life in his own genuine way. You should always have your rain gear, an additional warm outer layer, and accessories, such as a hat and gloves. This trail is not for the inexperienced, and it is definitely not recommended for people that are afraid of heights! a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. P.S. The hike concluded with a down climb Cathedral Trail to Chimney Pond. Facebook: http://facebook.com/outsidechronicles Instagram: http://instagram.com/outsidechronicles Website: http://www.outsidechronicles.com It took about 10 hours. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.---------------------------------------All of the musical compositions or arrangements and footage in this video are original, and were composed, recorded, and captured by Andrew Lin, Bryan Lin, Robby Huang, and Thomas SinardFeaturing drums by Nate LaguzzaOriginal content and music is copyright Adventure Archives (c) 2022

There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park where you can lay your head after hiking Mount Katahdin. The 3.2-mile trail with 3,413 feet of elevation gain is rated as very strenuous, and it should not to be attempted in bad weather due to its level of exposure. Derek Quiet fell while he and some companions were climbing off a marked trail near a part of the summit known as the Knife Edge. The climb is challenging, so you need to be in good shape, and the Knife Edge is amazing for us adrenaline junkies who love heights, but you have to be patient with those on the trail who are intimidated by the conditions. His philosophy of Wilderness First, Recreation Second lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. Absolutely! Plan ahead for your hike. If youre hiking for the day and not staying at the parkovernight, thereare multiple trailheads at which to park and begin the hike, all of which require online reservations(parking areas are capped at a certain number of vehicles). This is a great article. Chimney Peak is the small sharp peak adjacent to Pamola, separated by a narrow gap or "chimney". Advertisement He. Roaring Brook trailhead (45.91944, 68.85737) has a campground, a ranger station, and outhouses at the parking area, but dont expect to find potable water. I did cut open my leg to a loose rock. Crossing the narrow arete after (or before depending) Pomola is the hardest part requiring some rock climbing and balance ability. Energy chews are another great item to bring along as well. Trekking poles will come in handy to keep your balance but you may need to stow them at times while clinging to the rock with both hands. This final major peak on the Baxter-Hamlin circuit affords a fine line of sight over your entire route thus far, with a particularly impressive perspective of the Knife Edge in all its glory. I climbed Mt Katadin back in 68 or69 with my CT Girlscout troop. First 3 with a friend my hiking equal or more and at around 30 yrs old not hard, but challenging. Easily the most challenging hike Ive done, (coupled with Huntington Ravine on MW). The route eventually drops below treeline and crosses a small brook, and after 3.2 miles you will rejoin the Chimney Pond trail and arrive at Roaring Brook campground soon thereafter. Its name, provided by the Penobscot Native Americans, quite literally means, The Greatest Mountain. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. Learn from our mistakes to make hiking Mount Katahdin your realtiy! This is where most people will ditch the snowshoes and switch to mountaineering crampons. But one state over and roughly 200 miles away, there stands a mountain that draws adventurers from all over to the rural back roads of Maine, the lush forests of Baxter State Park, and trails that are more like a game of rocky hopscotch. late! It is possible to hike in the opposite direction; although the chimney at Pamola Peak seemed like it wouldve been very difficult from the opposite direction, there was a mother-son duo that were doing just that as we arrived. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. Its possible to descendto the Chimney Pond Trail and Roaring Brook Campground via either the Saddle Trail or Cathedral Trail. I did not climb it until I was 45 years old. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! Glad I did it. The boulder hopping on the Knife Edge can be daunting for someone who doesnt have good balance, and thats why it often takes so long to complete. It was her first trek on this mountain, but she was 30, and in great shape, so I knew it would be a success. Follow the blue blazes along the rocky arete, carefully making your way down towards a high saddle on the ridge towards Chimney Peak. !! His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. Unsubscribe at any time. Hikers are advised not to leave the ridge once theyve started, and to traverse it in only one direction (due to its level of difficulty and the length of time it takes one-way). 3rd being via the Knife Edge. Avoid bad weather and wind in this segment at all costs. My favorite is Roaring Brook to Chimney pond, up Catherdral to the Summit, across knifes edge and down Helton Taylor. This will be the trail that you finish your loop on, and if poor afternoon weather conditions are forecast you may want to do this loop in reverse. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change.If you liked this video, please consider supporting us on http://www.Patreon.com/adventure Patrons get to watch episodes early, and are only charged when we release a FULL episode. We respect your privacy. We won't send you spam. Subscribe below for full access to a library of free Travel Itineraries. Okay, I made that last one up but you get the idea. A full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life! Filled with relatable travel stories, adventure itineraries, and travel tips for any budget! If youre new to hiking, I suggest getting some training hikes in so that your day spent hiking Mount Katahdin is more enjoyable and smooth sailing. Katahdin. Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to cancel our Colorado climbs. First time Roaring Brook to Cathedral to Baxter Peak to Knife Edge to Pamola Peak to Helon Taylor Trail. Percival P. Baxter, once the governor of Maine, donated the land of Baxter State Park to create, protect, and provide the people of Maine a wilderness area. Maybe TJ knows what happened. Helon Taylor is a long ridge trail with little or no water, so I figured it was better to go that direction, knowing that we could replenish our water (filtered) on the Saddle Trail, at Chimney Pond, and along the trail back to the parking lot. It is also the usual starting point for a traverse of the Knife Edge. Whether theyre looking to complete the Appalachian Trail or hike the highest mountain in Maine, summiting Katahdin is their answer. Ive watched peoples videos of crossing Knife Edge and none equal the experience of being there. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. This trail has a mixture of loose gravel, bare rock slabs, and steep, eroded trail that will keep you on your toes. This loop starts at the Roaring Brook trailhead, so be sure to reserve a spot four months in advance of your hike or you will risk passes being sold out. The trip generally takes about 5 hours from the Boston area, and basic lodging and services such as gas and groceries can be found in town. As these become easier and you learn more about the great outdoors, start to increase the distance of your hike and the weight of your pack. 02-12-2011, 13:35 #42 mudhead Registered User Join Date 01-26-2007 Location maine Age 61 Posts 4,964 Images 35 You can't expect the Park to publicize events like a death. There is another ranger station here, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites. Sharing how to gain experiences within your budget is what I'm here to encourage you to do. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the. I have hiked neither Helon Taylor nor the Knife Edge and do not intend to do so with my 78th birthday coming up next month. Tell us about it! (Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either!). Marcy & Washington behind her, I agree forgetting Kahtadin is in a different league. Not sure where to reserve a spot? The number of hikers who can climb Mount Katahdin is limited by the number of parking spots at the trailheads. They simply werent the proper conditions for traversing Knife Edge, thus leaving us with no choice but to return to our trailhead without reaching the summit. Post your experience and the trail conditions (with the date of your hike) in the comments for others! The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. Working on core strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. This spot may be one of the highlights of your trip! He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Theres a glacial erratic on the side of Baxter Park Road that Mainers have been painting a mural of Katahdin on for years. Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) Beware of Kahtadin! Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. All Rights Reserved. A funeral is being held on Friday at 3:30 also at Brookings-Smith officiated by Pastor Jon Ouellette.Gifts in Mr. Stetsons memory may be made to the Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association, 39 Mechanic Street #100, Westbrook, Maine 04192. 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