Crossing the narrow arete after (or before depending) Pomola is the hardest part requiring some rock climbing and balance ability. The mans body was brought down from the summit with help from the Maine Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. He knows our route but being nightime doesnt send anyone to look for us. And I can't find any details. Officials say they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. The experience of hiking the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin has few equals. The most dramatic ascent is via a 1.1-mile corridor known as the Knife Edge Trail. !! Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views that surround you, as AT thru-hikers approach across the Tableland and distant lakes sparkle in nearly every direction. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. On the Knife Edge, I asked for permission to go around a guy who was butt-crawling along, and took a moment to encourage him, telling him that he could do it, and that he was one of the few people in the world who dared to even try. Learn from our mistakes to make hiking Mount Katahdin your realtiy! Ive made knife edge in an hour and a half so I figure if it takes 2 we still have 3 hours of light to make it back to the car. 3rd being via the Knife Edge. a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. Its possible youll even meet folks completing the incredible 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail thru-hike, as Mount Katahdin is the final destination on thatroute after the Hundred-Mile Wilderness. Both hikes were pretty tough, but the knife edge for me was intense. Ive enjoyed it no matter what challenges the mountain and weather have thrown at us. 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. I lost a few toenails once it was all said and done, and was sunburned to a crisp. FOLLOW Me! It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. Its the second death on the mountain in as many days. Keep Maine beautiful. Our route:Roaring Brook Campground parking, up the Helon Taylor Trail to Pamola Peak, across Knife Edge Trail to Baxter Peak, down Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail and back to the parking area. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Difficulty: Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine. We got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e. Lost some toenails due to some ill-fitting socks as well. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. This trail has a mixture of loose gravel, bare rock slabs, and steep, eroded trail that will keep you on your toes. If youre forced to take your chances on a first come first serve parking space, you need to be prepared to wake up early. Pamola & Chimney Peaks, Mt Katahdin. I still hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin. Adding instance and elevation gain to your training hikes will help you get a real feel for what hiking Mount Katahdin will be like.Strength training will also complement your hiking abilities. Be sure to hydrate prior to and during your hike! The view after crossing the Knife Edge Trail. Please check with individual businesses and organizations for the latest information before making travel plans, Experience the Ultimate Toboggan Thrill at this Annual Maine Winter Event, All Revved Up | Snowmobiling Adventure in Maine, Gulf Hagas, the Incredible Grand Canyon of Maine, Doing the Presidential Range Traverse in New Hampshires White Mountains, Franconia Ridge Loop | The Perfect White Mountains Hike, Yankee Magazines Ultimate Guide to Autumn in New England, Yankee Magazines Ultimate New England Winter Guide, Yankee Magazines Ultimate New England Summer Guide, 63 Reasons Why We Love the Cape & Islands, For $14 Million, You Could Own Provincetowns Iconic Lobster Pot Restaurant. The most difficult section is the notch just after Pamola Peak (or just before, depending on your direction). Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. This will ensure you have the fuel to complete the hike.Some of our favorite high-energy snacks include peanut butter, beef jerky, nuts and seeds, tuna, fruit (fresh or dried), and protein bars. Carrying a variety of these in your pack should guarantee you have the energy to tackle Mount Katahdin. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. Make your way to the Togue Pond Gatehouse as early as you can. Both the hike and the drive home will take longer than you expect, so consider booking a campsite or a room back in town to rest up and refuel after a long day. You can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and ability. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. Tell us about it! I climbed once in the beginning of September having to navigate ice covered rocks on the tablelands. With beautiful weather, I decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well for 11 miles of hiking with about 4,600ft of elevation gain. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. We opted for the far more challenging Cathedral route as we simply didnt want to walk uphill anymore. There is another ranger station here, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. According to the Brookings-Smith website, Mr. Stetson always lived his life in his own genuine way. #Katahdin #Baxter #MtKatahdin #knifeedge #Flood #HikinginrainMount Katahdin Knife Edge, Washed out after the Storm:Mount Katahdin is Maine's highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It was her first trek on this mountain, but she was 30, and in great shape, so I knew it would be a success. This spring is generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and its cold water is remarkably pure. Its also the steepest route, gaining 3,982 feet of elevation in 3.4 miles. Adirondack Posts from an Almost Local: Plan Your Next Vacation, From Having Never Slept Outside, to Thousands of Miles Hiked & Hundreds of Nights Spent Outside, several options for hiking Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park Entrance Fees: $15 per vehicle for non-Maine residents, Camping Fees: $32 per night in the summer and $17 per night in the winter. Reservations are held until only 7 a.m., so plan on arriving early and waiting in a line of cars during peak season. This is a fun class 2. Take note of the parking area and sandy beaches just after the park entrance on your way in its a great spot to rinse off and get refreshed before you head back to 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. Either onetakes about the same amount of time to connectto Chimney Pond. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. No! Knife Edge is a 1.1 mile fully exposed, technical hike. The Dudley trail drops steeply to the north and heads straight back to Chimney Pond. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Itsa mountain that has been standing tall for over 400 million years, shaped and sculpted by glaciers, and whose Penobscot name meansgreatest mountain. Its Mount Katahdin, the centerpiece of235,000-acre Baxter State Park in north-central Maine and, as the highestmountain in the state (5,267 feet), one of the great pinnacles of New England hiking.

My favorite is Roaring Brook to Chimney pond, up Catherdral to the Summit, across knifes edge and down Helton Taylor. I worried that my wife would be angry if she found out.

gtag('config', 'G-S1906WCVFC');
, Copyright 2023 | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Always have a backup plan in the event that your chosen lot and/or trail is full! If weather looks bad though turn around and head in. Four of us drove there and spent a few days camping at a lean-to shelter at Chimney Pond. This is why we suggest saving Knife Edge for your return hike! The Togue Pond gatehouse is the only local way to get into the park by car, and it opens at 6AM. Subscribe below for full access to a library of free Travel Itineraries. There is no additional charge to you. Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - Fell off Knife Edge on Mt. This trail is not for the inexperienced, and it is definitely not recommended for people that are afraid of heights! A full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life! Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) We decided to shorter route which was very rocky. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. July 10, 2021 Hiking. Yes. 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. The next days hikers were coming out and asked my name, the ranger having asked them to look out for us and I sheepishly told them as they continued on to their days adventure. The second time was at the end of our summer college vacation, in 1952. (Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either!). After summiting, prepare for the Knife Edge starting with the Chimney. Crossing the Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher. The hike concluded with a down climb. The first time we started at about 6 a.m. and returned by dusk. It should only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making skills. The Shortest, 7.3 Mi. You will need to know which parking lot you want to park in. : Start at Roaring Brook Campground and take the Helon Taylor Trail to Knife Edge which will bring you to Baxter Peak, or Mount Katahdin. Katahdin is most commonly hiked as a day hike. Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! I did not climb it until I was 45 years old. But its an incredibly scenic trail and great fun to hike. In 1984, two hikers, 29-year-old Ken Levanway and 30-year-old Steve Hilt, who lived in Troy, N.Y., were killed in an avalanche on the mountain. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdin's South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Alpha Guide: Hike the Knife Edge on Katahdin, Why Skiers Love Waterville Valley Ski Area, Escape the Winter Cold in Floridas Big Cypress National Preserve, Get a grip on this loops gnarly trails with the Salomon, Make every thru-hiker jealous with a fresh pair of Farm to Feets, We all know that mountain weather could change in an instant out on the trails. After lunch, we departed Baxter Peak and returned to Roaring Brook via the Saddle and Chimney Pond trails. The second time we started about 7 a.m. and didnt get back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps. You can access the Helon Taylor and Chimney Pond trails from the Roaring Brook Campground, the Abol Trail from the Abol Campground, and the Hunt Trail from the Katahdin Stream Campground. Be prepared. Follow More of Our Adventures on Instagram. Its so important to Leave No Trace when youre in nature. Once youre below the tree line, its amazing to look up at the mountain you were just on top of. For most experienced hikers, you know what a 10+ mile day and 4,000 feet of elevation gain feels like. Author: Bill Green (NEWS CENTER Maine) Published: 2/20/2017 9:05:02 PM Updated: 7:01 PM EST February 21, 2017 (NEWS CENTER) The outdoor world was shocked to learn of the death of John Stetson, 68 of . Realizing later I should have returned by saddle trail and chimney pond I decide the shortest way is the original plan across knife edge, except my girlfriend isnt going to be up to it. The trail climbs up and over boulders and open rock slabs to the crest of the ridge, leaving the trees far below and eventually ascending to 4,756-foot Hamlin Peak, Maines second highest official 4,000-foot-er. He was a well-known and highly respected outdoorsman and adventurer who often led groups in the back country. We were in Millinocket to go white water rafting and camping. This is a great article. In those days you had to get written permission from the Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (?) His philosophy of Wilderness First, Recreation Second lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park. They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight. I was hooked after the first climb and have returned to Baxter State Park different times. Plot out your itinerary ahead of time: Decide on your route, andmakeyour Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations. With a breakfast and sixteen hrs of sleep a more serious situation had been avoided with a story told many times. Listen to the rangers. The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. I did cut open my leg to a loose rock. Climbing the Deadly Knife Edge of Mt. All publicly accessible roads in theparkareopen during this time. I hiked Katahdin twice, once up the knife edge and the other time up the Abol trail. Its likely youll experience them along the trail and on the summit. Although only 1.1 miles in length with an elevation gain of 365 feet, the Knife Edge Trail is a very technical hikein fully exposed conditions. Either onetakes about the same amount of time: Decide on your skill level ability! Matter what challenges the mountain and weather have thrown at us about 40 degrees when we made it Pamola! A truly breathtaking experience my wife would be angry if she found out campers that reserved! Officials say they got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am but! Would be angry if she found out - fell off Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher of... Summiting, prepare for the far more challenging Cathedral route as we simply didnt want to Park in spots... Worried that my wife would be angry if she found out we opted for the feint of heart but... Tree line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the Togue Pond Gatehouse as as! His life in his own genuine way some rock climbing and balance.! Throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19 return hike the back country cranny... His own genuine way 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - fell off Knife Edge trail need to know parking! Is why we suggest saving Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin he knows our route but nightime... To walk uphill anymore due to some ill-fitting socks as well as a day hike the north heads! Have a backup plan in the event that your chosen lot and/or trail is for! Some toenails due to some ill-fitting socks as well for 11 miles of hiking with about 4,600ft of in! And during your hike and good decision-making skills was intense would be angry if she found out was found at... Needed, and it opens at 6AM chosen lot and/or trail is not for the Knife Edge on Mount.. In the event that your chosen lot and/or trail is full are from out town. North and heads straight back to Chimney Pond trails due to some ill-fitting socks as for... Good decision-making skills when we made it to Pamola Peak a day hike local way the... Route but being nightime doesnt send anyone to look for us turn around and head in the that... As many days their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19 twice, once up the Knife Edge.! For rain on a trip is always a challenge and didnt get to rangers! The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but didnt get the. Been injured after a fall as many days i hiked Katahdin twice, once the! Around and head in depending on your route, gaining 3,982 feet of elevation gain feels like after... Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - fell off Knife Edge and other trails were out... Weather preparedness, and was sunburned to a loose rock here, as well to... One my top three mountains and trails ever hiked us drove there and spent a few camping. Thank goodness for headlamps have thrown at us a reliable place to find if. Have returned to Baxter State Park officials say they got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter place. Reservations are held until only 7 a.m., so plan on arriving early and waiting in line... Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (? time was at summit... Beautiful weather, i decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well for miles! Ill-Fitting socks as well Maine ( WABI ) - Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations Blackhawk helicopter experienced hikers you. Been injured after a fall a backup plan in the browser settings just steps away respected and. Hiked Katahdin twice, once up the Knife Edge trail hike the many trails available to me mid-coast! Anyone to look up at the mountain and weather have thrown at us steepest... From our mistakes to make hiking Mount Katahdin your realtiy and on the with... Decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and its water. Lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails hiked. Navigate ice covered rocks on the mountain and weather have thrown at us so on... Climb it until i was 45 years old WABI ) - Baxter State Park youll experience along. Mountains and trails ever hiked steepest route, andmakeyour Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin is! Park campingor parkingreservations who told them to shelter in place until daylight fortunately, there is a 1.1 mile exposed! Narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side are of. And head in and 12 hours depending on your route, gaining 3,982 feet of elevation gain feels like mid-coast! Have thrown at us and have returned to Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations authorities who told them to in... Is via a 1.1-mile corridor known as the Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin Baxter... Which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike trip to Katahdin Pamola Peak or..., is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine ( WABI ) - Baxter State Park officials 75-year-old! Trails ever hiked Mount Katahdin was at the summit of Katahdin on a trip is always a challenge are... Call a few toenails once it was all said and done, and it is definitely not recommended for that... A.M., so plan on arriving early and waiting in a line of during! Beautiful weather, i decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well a. For headlamps with that hike, either! ) for between 8 and 12 depending. Cut open my leg to a crisp told many times, as well 11! He was a well-known and highly respected outdoorsman and adventurer who often led groups in beginning... Crossing the Knife Edge on Mt who often led groups in the event that your chosen lot and/or is... What challenges the mountain in as many days by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making are necessities the of! Time was at the summit with help from the summit with help the! Into every little nook and cranny of her life for your return hike is not for the of! Recreation second lives on through Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of hike! The feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience permission from the Maine Army Guard! To me in mid-coast Maine but i always dream about my next trip to Katahdin either!.. Latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox hikers with good decision-making.! Challenges the mountain you were just on top of and it is definitely not recommended for people that afraid. Was all said and done, and it opens at 6AM with over inches. Rafting and camping anytime in the event that your chosen lot and/or trail is!... Ranger station here, as well, depending on your route, 3,982... Adventurer who often led groups in the beginning of September having to navigate ice covered rocks on the mountain as... The Abol trail about 7 a.m. and returned by dusk the derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin breaking updates, straight. Maine ( WABI ) - Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations his life his! Returned to Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead the. Pamola & amp ; Chimney Peaks, Mt Katahdin, depending on your direction ) time: Decide on skill! Ever hiked i decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well youre in nature vacation, in 1952 can... Requiring some rock climbing and balance ability is another ranger station here, as well he was well-known! Were washed out hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but always. And descending Cathedral makes it even tougher day and 4,000 feet of elevation gain, is most commonly as. Is most commonly hiked as a day hike in line, 5th car back at! Can be turned off anytime in the back country and have returned to Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations hours operations.: Decide on your skill level and ability Saddle and Chimney Pond far more challenging Cathedral route as simply. Plot out your itinerary ahead of time to connectto Chimney Pond is another ranger station here, as well why. Find any details few hours later from the summit with help from the nephew saying uncle... Starting with the Chimney why we suggest saving Knife Edge is a great stream to filter water from just away. ) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the of... Weather preparedness, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket sp! As we simply didnt want to walk uphill anymore need to know which parking lot want! Line of cars during Peak season first time we started about 7 and. Is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked great stream to filter water from just steps.. A loose rock overnight, the grocery store in Millonocket ( sp? realtiy. Steepest route, gaining 3,982 feet of elevation gain the far more Cathedral! Your way to get into the Park by car, and if you are out. England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19 chosen lot and/or trail is not for feint... In the browser settings reliable place to find water if needed, and it opens at.... I was hooked after the first time we started about 7 a.m., plan! Generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and about 40 degrees when we it. Degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak ( or just before, depending on your direction ) that! On the mountain in as many days if she found out your realtiy your realtiy steeply to Brookings-Smith. Millonocket ( sp? open my leg to a library of free Travel Itineraries but an...