Id been up most of the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest. Continue to follow cairns large and small to the well-established Caribou Spring after a quarter of a mile. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. Four of us drove there and spent a few days camping at a lean-to shelter at Chimney Pond.

Be prepared. Pull over and get a picture with this local landmark, and keep your eyes peeled for wild Maine blueberries that grow everywhere along this stretch road in early to mid-summer. Absolutely! Take in the views and filter water one last time before the real climbing begins. Start at Roaring Brook campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola. Example video title will go here for this video. A few years later now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it. 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. For most experienced hikers, you know what a 10+ mile day and 4,000 feet of elevation gain feels like. While I am not necessarily afraid of heights, I do not welcome the thought of falling great distances which is why every hand and foot placement required quite a bit of thought. I hiked Katahdin twice, once up the knife edge and the other time up the Abol trail. The beauty of Katahdin does, of course, make it a very popular destination. They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight. 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. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost . This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. 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. Be sure to pack a lightweight EMS. That decision really helped, because I was sucking fumes toward the end. Along with packing high-protein snacks, its imperative that you pack enough water for your hike. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Once you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling. a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. It is very special and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see Maines untouched beauty. This loop tackles five notable summits in the heart of Maines fabled Baxter State Park. Plot out your itinerary ahead of time: Decide on your route, andmakeyour Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. Lots of exposure. I highly recommend this hike, maybe a bit better than the Tuckermans Trail we had done 2 days earlier on Mt Washington, though they are all so different. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. His philosophy of Wilderness First, Recreation Second lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Continue to follow the main trail up the ridge, passing both the Cathedral cutoff and the Cathedral trails en route. 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. Finally meeting her match we dont get to Baxter Peak until 4pm. I was hooked after the first climb and have returned to Baxter State Park different times. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. The view after crossing the Knife Edge Trail. This is why we suggest saving Knife Edge for your return hike! Nonetheless, we cautiously inched our way across the entire Knife edge and arrived safely at Baxter Peak by 11:10 after a 5:30 departure from Roaring Brook Campsite. They can make a Day Use Reservation for any time in the summer season as of April 1. You should always have your rain gear, an additional warm outer layer, and accessories, such as a hat and gloves. 3rd being via the Knife Edge. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. Copyright 2020 WABI. July 10, 2021 Hiking. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Katahdin stands alone as the single most challenging peak in the state of Maine. And thats okay! I had done knife edge twice both ways in a single previous hike. Inching across a mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having. Cathryn McCann. Once past this spot you can breathe a little easier, and the climb up to Pamola Peaks summit is short, steep, and trivial by comparison. 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. We made it back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm. Katahdin, the second death this week, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Clinton man dies after vehicle rolls into water, Garrett-Reed to lead the Office of Affordable Health Care, Harm reduction advocates defend Maine doctor facing opioid distribution charges. Oddly enough, I am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge all that scary. Not sure where to reserve a spot? Subscribe below for full access to a library of free Travel Itineraries. I did cut open my leg to a loose rock. Continue onward and upward, passing the North Basin trail at mile 3.0 and arriving at Chimney Pond Campground at mile 3.3 (45.91541, 68.91196). This is a fun class 2. A full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life! If youre prepared and careful, however, the 360-degree view of the incredible rocky trail and inner basin are sights worth seeing. I decided to re-tackle this peak via the Knife Edge trail which is one of the most exposed hikes in all of New England. This is a fun class 2 scramble with a section of class 3 hiking. 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. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. This is a great article. Also at the same location are cabins, a campground, a store, and white water rafting excursions. Its just a couple of steps, but it is surprising. Great experience. The most difficult section is the notch just after Pamola Peak (or just before, depending on your direction). Difficulty: She outpaced me all the way. The stewards of Baxter State Park are some of the best in the business, and they know when the weather isnt looking good for travel above treeline. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. Mentally challenging as well as physical, I spent several instances at points where I could straddle the ridge and ponder what I was trying to prove. Some of the more popular include: Budget Hotels in the nearby town of Millinocket, 20 miles from Baxter State Park: There are no dogs allowed in Baxter State Park. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. It took us around 10 hours, including a 30 min or so lunch at the top. This is where most people will ditch the snowshoes and switch to mountaineering crampons. Exhilarating and difficult but not too hard. Copyright 2020 WABI. : The Saddle Trail may be considered the easy route, however, its still no joke. Cheers! You would smell too after hiking 2,190 miles over the course of 5-7 months. 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. He knows our route but being nightime doesnt send anyone to look for us. The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. Unsubscribe at any time. We were in Millinocket to go white water rafting and camping. !! The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionallynarrow at times. The hike concluded with a down climb. 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. This is a great spot to stop for a snack and to take in a breathtaking view of the mountain ridges that you will soon be climbing. Down climbing on loose rocks is no fun, especially if you brace yourself on one of the seemingly stable rocks! From Pamola peak to Baxter Peak (the Knife edge plus the somewhat broader ridge betweeen Baxter peak and South peak) is about a mile, with 2000' of gain on the approach from Chimney Pond. Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! Fortunately, he let us in and we got one of the last parking slots at the campground. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to. If weather looks bad though turn around and head in. True to name, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on both sides. I worried that my wife would be angry if she found out. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. Dam, which I had done. The first day we climbed to the second lake. However, storms bringing over 4.4 inches of rain overnight made for muddy and washed out trail conditions.#appalachiantrail #drbackpacker #AT #Maine #Mainehikes #katadhin@heydrbackpackerMotivational Slap House | PHOENIX by Alex-Productions \u0026 Franz | Lo-Fi Fashion Chill Hip Hop | WHISTLE by Alex-ProductionsMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US The low point on this trail is fittingly called the Saddle, and the nearby Saddle Trail (45.91388, 68.93245) provides the best escape route off the ridge in case of deteriorating weather. With a breakfast and sixteen hrs of sleep a more serious situation had been avoided with a story told many times. Hiking in September allowed time without black flies and less mosquitos. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. All rights reserved. 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). MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. I climbed katahdin when I was 13 and every time after when a sibling (4) turned 13. we are the only ones on the mountain everyone having left to make it down before dark. He studied civil engineering and graduated with honors. This space is some of the most rugged terrain in the Northeast and absolutely beautiful. I ask everyone visiting us this fall and . Make sure you are either camping in the park or get there *before* 7am. Thank you for supporting The Virtual Sherpa so I can continue to provide you with free content!Want content early? Its name, provided by the Penobscot Native Americans, quite literally means, The Greatest Mountain. Katahdin, Massachusetts man dies after falling from Knife Edge at Mt. Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine. Shes now exhausted. Had it not been for a trickle of water on the Saddle Trail descent and our ever present Sawyer Have you done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently? All rights reserved. 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. But its an incredibly scenic trail and great fun to hike. Unsubscribe at any time. It takes a long time to get from one place to another. 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. Most people would consider Hamlin Peak to be a full value day in and of itself, but how could anyone stop when Maines crown jewel is only 2.2 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain away? Things I learned: Even after chugging a liter of electrolyte water before the hike and hauling 2 additional liters up the mountain, that was not enough. It is also the usual starting point for a traverse of the Knife Edge. Glad I did it. He appreciated the pep talk, and, when we caught up at the summit, I told him I was very proud of him, and said he was now a member of a very exclusive club of Knife Edge adventurershe made the cut.. The first time I climbed Katahdin, the hike was an afterthought. Stetson was born into a prominent Bangor family. And once you reach the Chimney Pond Trail, the hiking eases up considerably, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. The crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook made for a great water source (treated) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece. Breaking above the tree line on the Helon Taylor Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. When we eventually summitted the mountain, we couldnt decide if we should take the easy way (Saddle) as the article suggests, or go down Cathedral. Start with 2-3 mile day hikes. The rest of the way up is all rocks and boulders, a couple of other hand holds, and with some dirt trail sections until you get to within ~1 mile of the official summit, where it turns into a nice gradually sloping trail to finish off the 5.2 mi. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to cancel our Colorado climbs. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. This trail has a mixture of loose gravel, bare rock slabs, and steep, eroded trail that will keep you on your toes. Its possible youll get stuck in traffic at the Togue Pond Gate, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m. Maybe TJ knows what happened. And lessons learned. Sure, but if youre a typical typeB person like me, for your own safety, be prepared for a long, intense day that you will be talking about long after you return home. 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. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. No! Please check with individual businesses and organizations for the latest information before making travel plans. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. The next leg of this loop back-tracks 0.3 miles to the North Basin Trail and continues through a spruce forest for less than half a mile to reach a large cairn marking the Hamlin Ridge trail on the left (45.92297, 68.90857). I still hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin. "The mountain is a formidable place, especially as winter approaches. A 75-year-old Massachusetts man died Wednesday after he got lost hiking near the top of Mount Katahdin and fell while spending the night on the mountain awaiting rescuers. 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. Keep in mind that the shortest trail isnt necessarily the easiest. Ive climbed it a handful of times with various friends over the years, in a variety of weather and going up and down via the many combinations of foot paths. Another hiker dies on Mt. Its possible to descendto the Chimney Pond Trail and Roaring Brook Campground via either the Saddle Trail or Cathedral Trail. Has anyone died on Knife Edge Katahdin? Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. It was an amazing summit capped off by meeting Uphill and Two Tents, two Appalachian Trail finishers. 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. Beware of Kahtadin! Working on core strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities. . Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. 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. This last mile climbs steadily on a well-constructed trail of pink granite, and Mount Katahdins well-known summit sign finally appears to greet hikers from near and far. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. gtag('js', new Date()); Chimney Peak is the small sharp peak adjacent to Pamola, separated by a narrow gap or "chimney". Cathedral is very steep with toughterrain, but a shorter distance. Our family of 5, 13 yo boy the youngest in our party, hiked to the summit via the Hunt Trail a few years ago. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. #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. The approach on the Helon Taylor trail up to Pamola Peak was an incredible climb. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. Saddle is longer, but not quite as steep,and hasloose-rockterrain. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. 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. Tell us about it! late! The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, ME. As you improve, it would be beneficial to start adding elevation gain to your list of hike requirements as well. This spring is generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and its cold water is remarkably pure. Shes not as comfortable jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style. The lands in the park were gifted to the state by former Governor Percival Baxter between 1931 and 1962, and as such are required to remain forever wild. This means that you will have to abide by such arcane regulations as no pets allowed, no power equipment such as chainsaws, generators, or Bluetooth speakers, no public consumption of alcohol, no drones, no children under the age of 6 above tree line on Katahdin, and no wearing of white cargo pants after Labor Day. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a full days work! Hiking Mount Katahdin is a goal for many outdoor enthusiasts! 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. He was well-known and well-liked in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber. The first time started the day after I graduated from Saugus High School (MA) in 1950. As you approach the peak, the difficulty kicks up to third-class scrambling, eventually culminating with a few semi-exposed moves that could spell disaster for a less sure-footed climber. Crossing the narrow arete after (or before depending) Pomola is the hardest part requiring some rock climbing and balance ability. Reading a book about the AT and investigating Knife Edge. Sign in at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank of the river. The Togue Pond gatehouse is the only local way to get into the park by car, and it opens at 6AM. 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. After 2 months of therapy for my fracture, we were off to Mount Katahdin.Mount Katahdin, meaning \"Greatest Mountain\", stands 5269 feet overlooking the fall foliage of Baxter State Park. The Chimney Pond trail continues along and eventually leaves the stream behind, traversing through the trees and gradually gaining elevation on a rocky footpath. The Best Loop, 9 Mi. 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. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. Time to Complete: 10 to 12 hours for most Always have a backup plan in the event that your chosen lot and/or trail is full! Please honor this mission while hiking Mount Katahdin and remember, its wild out there. 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. . Kick off your shoes and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Upper Togue Pond after your hike. It requires a bit of true climbing and some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short legs. Maine snow totals: A town-by-town look at Tuesday's storm. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the. Katahdin stands at 5,269 feet tall. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. Avoid bad weather and wind in this segment at all costs. Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knife's Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. Its likely youll experience them along the trail and on the summit. Once while doing the knife edge, with my two sons, my younger son tried to hide his fear by just soldiering. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. All, I am very sorry to report the death of my father, newspaper journalist Donald MacGillis, after a hiking accident on Mt Katahdin in Maine. We opted for the far more challenging Cathedral route as we simply didnt want to walk uphill anymore. Be sure to keep an eye on the parks reservation pass website to ensure you have a spot waiting for you when you arrive. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. After I graduated from Saugus High School ( MA ) in 1950 had a different and... Exposed hikes in all of New England have modified their hours and/or operations in to! Pursuit of a beautiful summit is an epic approach to Baxter Peak but it is also the usual point! View of the incredible rocky trail and inner basin are sights worth seeing hospital to treated. Part requiring some rock climbing and balance ability true climbing and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities pursuit! Teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life of. And cranny of her life have the best insight on the daily weather and wind this... Agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it my younger son tried hide. 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