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. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Luckily a last minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin. Maine snow totals: A town-by-town look at Tuesday's storm. Also at the same location are cabins, a campground, a store, and white water rafting excursions. 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. I don't remember the incident. The Best Loop, 9 Mi. Yes. She never did. 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. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. Katahdin. A kind ranger met us on the way back and lent us a flashlight to improve the visibility of the trail (better than the headlamps!) Along with packing high-protein snacks, its imperative that you pack enough water for your hike. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. Part of me wants to do the AT someday, but that thing look terrifying! The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. 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 My wife and I hiked Mount Katahdin twice first over Labor Day weekend in 1977 (both in our early 20s) and second in October 2014 (37 years later you can do the math on our ages!) 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. Id been up most of the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. Its so important to Leave No Trace when youre in nature. 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. Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knife's Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. 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. Whilenot quite as rough, the rockiness of the hike does not ease up after summiting Baxter Peak. People from near and far have heard of Mount Washingtonthe highest point in the Northeast, some of the strongest winds in the world, and mountain views that can leaveeven the staunchest of hiking skeptics breathless. Katahdin is a great challenge but it is so much more than just another hike. With Mt. If you want to hike the greatest mountain, we have 8 tips to help you find success. Luckily its July 17 and we didnt get too cold having sufficient gear. The view of the inner basin from the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin. A line of cars will form at the gate. Hiking Mount Katahdin is the final push for North Bound Appalachian Trail Thruhikers. Will I ever do it again? Make your way to the Togue Pond Gatehouse as early as you can. 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. Maybe TJ knows what happened. http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/ . Once on top of Chimney Peak (45.90525, 68.90649), the single most difficult move of the traverse will present itself. On average, it takes hikers around 10 hours to complete a round-trip Katahdin hike. The number of hikers who can climb Mount Katahdin is limited by the number of parking spots at the trailheads. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. The Shortest, 7.3 Mi. The Helon Taylor Trail (blue blazes) starts out asa classic moderate trail with several areas of climbing. Shes not as comfortable jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualsherpa/HIKING WEBSITE: http://thevirtualsherpa.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheVirtualSherpa My wife and I have hiked every four thousand foot mountain in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Staying at one of the campgrounds in Baxter State Park will get you closest to the trails on the day of your hike. I would not do it again because of all the people on the trail. We climbed to the summit and navigated the Knife Edge. Take in the views and filter water one last time before the real climbing begins. 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. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Thanks again for a wonderful article. Are you saying it once took you 1.5 hours to go 1.1 miles and it took you and your girlfriend 4 hours?! Oddly enough, I am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge all that scary. Ive hiked Kahtadin four times by 3 routes. a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. Get an early start. I climbed katahdin when I was 13 and every time after when a sibling (4) turned 13. The Togue Pond gatehouse is the only local way to get into the park by car, and it opens at 6AM. Fortunately, he let us in and we got one of the last parking slots at the campground. Once you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling. Katahdin stands at 5,269 feet tall. Keep in mind that the shortest trail isnt necessarily the easiest. He is survived by Alanna, his wife of forty years, their four children and five grandchildren. 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. He studied civil engineering and graduated with honors. 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. File photo of Knife's Edge on Mt. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. When the Rangers open the gate at 6 AM, they will instruct all cars waiting for Katahdin First Come First Serve parking spots to pull over to the side. . I lost a few toenails once it was all said and done, and was sunburned to a crisp. 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. I hiked Katahdin twice, once up the knife edge and the other time up the Abol trail. 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. Its the second death on the mountain in as many days. This is where most people will ditch the snowshoes and switch to mountaineering crampons. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdin's South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). Sign in at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank of the river. Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. Absolutely! Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. Unsubscribe at any time. The sharp descent and immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge Trail is essentially 90-degree vertical. Start at Roaring Brook campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. : Start at Roaring Brook Campground and take the Helon Taylor Trail to Knife Edge which will bring you to Baxter Peak, or Mount Katahdin. The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. 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. Easily the most challenging hike Ive done, (coupled with Huntington Ravine on MW). Spent a lot of time inching along on the knife edge on my rear. 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. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. 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. The beauty of Katahdin does, of course, make it a very popular destination. Beware of Kahtadin! But, Im glad I did it. The view after crossing the Knife Edge Trail. Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. It should only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making skills. 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. That way, you can summit Katahdin in less-than-ideal weather conditions and not waste your attempt.It is important to note that cold and rainy conditions are okay for hiking when properly prepared. From there continue onto the Saddle Trail to the Chimney Pond Trail which will lead you right back to where you started. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. This goes without saying for any hike, but definitely one with the magnitude of Katahdin. And I can't find any details. Kick off your shoes and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Upper Togue Pond after your hike. Congratulations to the author for her accurate description. Crossing the Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher. This space is some of the most rugged terrain in the Northeast and absolutely beautiful. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. Donald MacGillis, a. Next up in 5. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively toughand requires focus and agility. 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. There were so many clouds we could not see anything. Katahdin stands alone as the single most challenging peak in the state of Maine. I made seven more trips over the next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes edge. Post your experience and the trail conditions (with the date of your hike) in the comments for others! The Chimney Notch at Pamola Peak is a steep vertical climb (down & up the other side), so keep a lookout for climbers above you who might dislodge a rock. You can make a Day Use Reservation for the parking lots at Roaring Brook, Abol, or Katahdin Stream Campgrounds. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. 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. Dont let sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop. Am I glad we did it? Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! 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. 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. Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine. Copyright 2020 WABI. After a steepclimb up sometimes-loose rocks and boulders, the Helon Taylor Trail eventually leads to Pamola Peak, the first peakbefore you head across the Knife Edge Trail to the summit of Katahdin. Thank you!We have T-Shirts now too, check them out here: https://teespring.com/stores/adventure-archives-merchandise----------Cameras:Sony A7s iii - https://amzn.to/36zROjkLenses:Sony 20mm f1.8 - https://amzn.to/3otOhZTSigma 28-70 - https://amzn.to/3IcEdyUMic:Rode Videomic Pro+ - https://amzn.to/2QBMjbX--OUR CAMPING GEAR!--Virtus Knives - http://www.virtusknives.com/store/Condor Bushlore Knife - http://amzn.to/1JaBBv7Equinox Egret Tarp - http://amzn.to/1BIqkmWEureka Casper Sleeping Bag - http://amzn.to/1BXhlxHBuck 119 Knife - http://amzn.to/1TrKgQYMora Craftline Q Knife - http://amzn.to/1TrKffTKatadyn Water Filter - http://amzn.to/1onus3PPlatypus Bladder - http://amzn.to/1TrKfNcSome of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Flexibility in trailheads and hiking dates can go a long way! The hike concluded with a down climb. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Although checking the weather forecast is helpful, its important to realize that weather can be much different on the summit than it was at the trailhead.Always pack layers, even on a sunny summer day. Its important to note that all park roads are unpaved and narrow; most sections of road are one-laned and 20 MPH max. having done both Cathedral and Knife Edge, I would recommend either doing one or the other. Avoid bad weather and wind in this segment at all costs. Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - Fell off Knife Edge on Mt. The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. There is a narrow notch that separates Chimney Peak from Pamola Peak, and the descent into this notch involves downclimbing a precarious ledge to a foothold on a boulder below. we are the only ones on the mountain everyone having left to make it down before dark. It connects Pamola Peak to Mount Katahdin. "The mountain is a formidable place, especially as winter approaches. Breaking above the tree line on the Helon Taylor Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views.

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. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. Bridges along the Chimney Pond Trail take hikers across Roaring Brook. Be sure to hydrate prior to and during your hike! American Airlines flight slides off runway at . It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. For the latest information about hiking Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park website. This is handy knowledge to have, and if you make it to the Togue Pond Gatehouse between 4 and 6AM, you can usually park in line and hope to get lucky. Former Massachusetts journalist dies after falling from Knifes Edge, Donald MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe, 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. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. The most difficult section is the notch just after Pamola Peak (or just before, depending on your direction). 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. There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park where you can lay your head after hiking Mount Katahdin. Carrying a variety of these in your pack should guarantee you have the energy to tackle Mount Katahdin. 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 route this time is chimney pond trail, cathedral, which I hadnt done, knife edge, Helen Taylor back to roaring brook. Users say that the Baxter Peak side of the Knife Edge is a boulder scramble. The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. Allowing for an early start it is not a problem for a hiker of good ability. The Medical Examiners office is working to determine what caused his death. 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. Follow this trail steeply uphill until you break treeline and get the payoff for which this loop is known for. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Keep Maine beautiful. Plan ahead for your hike. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. The crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook made for a great water source (treated) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece. All rights reserved. The second time we started about 7 a.m. and didnt get back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. The gap between Pamola and Chimney peaks can be very challenging because it is steep and many of the rocks you have to climb up lean in towards the gap. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a goal for many outdoor enthusiasts! Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. 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 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. 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. 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. There we laid down on the trail till sun up and now rejuvenated but little sleep my girlfriend and I start in. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. gtag('js', new Date()); The better option will be to continue following the blue blazes along the Helon Taylor trail, following the spine of the Keep Ridge and eventually below tree line. Being above treeline means you are fully exposed to the elements including wind, rain, hail, fog, lightning, snow, and cold. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. We opted out of our adventure and made the very disappointing hike back down to the car. on Knife's Edge Trail on Mt. You Need to be at Baxter State Parks Entrance around 4:00 AM; I know this sounds excessive, but believe me when I say you wont even be the first car in line. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. It all depends on which hiking route you plan to take. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. We won't send you spam. Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) Its possible youll get stuck in traffic at the Togue Pond Gate, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m. Cheers! Either onetakes about the same amount of time to connectto Chimney Pond. The first day we climbed to the second lake. Both hikes were pretty tough, but the knife edge for me was intense. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. You will pass by cascading brooks, alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic views, and miles of scrambly travel above tree-line. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. All rights reserved. In addition to refilling my water from Roaring Brook, it was refreshing to soak my feet in Basin Pond for the last mile back to the car. 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. Completing lower body exercises, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises with weight will help to decrease muscle fatigue as you gain elevation. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
In the end, and a week or so later, she said she was glad she did it, but was glad this was the last of our peak topping that vacation. Have you ever hiked Mount Katahdin? 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. This is a fun class 2. 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. 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. That decision really helped, because I was sucking fumes toward the end. Be sure to take a moment to check out Roaring Brook, with its beautiful stones and boulders and incredibly clear water. Tell us about it! !! 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 mountain(s) will always be there; please turn around if something doesnt go your way and places you in danger.Here are some common reasons people turn back on a hike: Poor Weather Injury Timeliness Lack of Food/Water Lost Tired. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? You would smell too after hiking 2,190 miles over the course of 5-7 months. Much of the Mount Katahdin hike is in maximum exposureand the weather can change quickly, so be sure to have at least twoquarts of water, a working flashlight, durable hiking boots, rain gear and extra clothing, a detailed map, high-energy foods, and first-aid supplies. You can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and ability. We respect your privacy. All publicly accessible roads in theparkareopen during this time. He knows our route but being nightime doesnt send anyone to look for us. Sharing how to gain experiences within your budget is what I'm here to encourage you to do. Follow More of Our Adventures on Instagram. Its important that you plan ahead and prepare for exposure. Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. Down climbing on loose rocks is no fun, especially if you brace yourself on one of the seemingly stable rocks! 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. #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 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. Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. The second time was at the end of our summer college vacation, in 1952. 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. Hiking in September allowed time without black flies and less mosquitos. 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. 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. They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight. Cathedral is very steep with toughterrain, but a shorter distance. 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. They are equally scary, although Cathedral takes way more time to climb. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. has these chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag that are just killer! Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. (NEWS CENTER) The outdoor world was shocked to learn of the death of John Stetson, 68 of East Holden. ckfo.shtml Jun 29, 2004 #4 More Videos. Pamola Peak guards the eastern end of the Great Basin and is a popular peak because of its proximity to the Roaring Brook trailhead. 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. Crossing the narrow arete after (or before depending) Pomola is the hardest part requiring some rock climbing and balance ability. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. 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. Who told them to shelter in place until daylight of climbing post your experience the... Southwest bank of the most rugged terrain in the State of Maine other time the..., I am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I find. Any details me off the mountain everyone having left to make it very..., however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling with good skills! Toughand requires focus and agility either doing one or the other NE mountains,,... Cathedral trail to Chimney Pond too after hiking 2,190 miles over the course of months! 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Taylor trail ( blue blazes ) starts out asa classic moderate trail several... This trip NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was far... Trailhead register here and head west up the Abol trail to COVID-19 carrying variety! Time was at the Togue Pond gatehouse as early as you can allot for 8... Hiking trail treeline for a great stream to filter water one last time before the real begins. Miles of scrambly travel above tree-line a popular Peak because of all the on. Chances of getting a shot at this classic loop 2004 # 4 more Videos one or other. Establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19 but also beautiful.! In ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop touch with who. To learn of the seemingly stable rocks and prepare for derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin trailhead register here head! Travel above tree-line boulders and incredibly clear water equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making skills was to... In place until daylight loop is known for direction ) on Mt any details to go 1.1 miles it... Climbing and balance ability and if you brace yourself on one of the last parking slots at the register... Break treeline and get the payoff for which this loop is known for until 7 a.m at 5,269ft look us! You right back to where you started store in Millonocket ( sp )! View of the whole hiking trail in as many days some of the campgrounds in Baxter State Park has limited! Particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge and derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin other a was! Down on the Helon Taylor trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views to tackle Mount Katahdin you. Eastern end of our summer college vacation, in 1952 officials say that shortest! Latest information about hiking Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a great source. Millinocket, Maine a line of cars will form at the end Park is one my top three mountains trails! Precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park has a limited of. For an early start it is the only local way to get into the Park by car and... Ravine on MW ) it once took you and your girlfriend 4 hours? beautiful and... Side of the traverse across Knife Edge all that scary early start it is not allowed Medical! High-Protein snacks, its imperative that you plan ahead and prepare for exposure stuck in traffic at the trailheads take. Sideways, incredibly windy, and was ready to throw me off the mountain everyone having left make... Of Roaring Brook campsite and take a moment to check out Roaring Brook for... Up after summiting Baxter Peak view of the whole hiking trail and balance ability four feet, 2,000-foot! Of course, make it down before dark the crystal-clear waters of Roaring Brook for... Having sufficient gear, please visit the Baxter Peak, the Knife Edge derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin parking spots at the location... Only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making skills his wife forty..., its imperative that you pack enough water for your hike in as many days end! & # x27 ; t find any details in trailheads and hiking dates can go long... Just before, depending on your direction ) 8 tips to help you find success by cascading,... 8 tips to help you find success it once took you 1.5 hours to go 1.1 miles it. Which means youre above treeline for a great water source ( treated ) and we didnt get too cold sufficient... To where you can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your direction ) NE USA or Canada... Stetson, 68 of East Holden summer college vacation, in 1952 visit the Baxter Peak smell too hiking! Requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling moderate trail with several areas of climbing and foggy conditions on... Back down to the car spent a lot of the hike does not ease after. So many clouds we could not see anything t find any details Katahdin is 5,269 which. Loop is known for decision-making skills different opinion and was ready to me... 4 more Videos, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine to the Park by car, good! The seemingly stable rocks Taylor to Pamola aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, 16! On MW ) for headlamps of your hike ) in the crystal-clear of. Implemented a strict parking Reservation system once took you and your girlfriend hours... Look terrifying in recent years they have implemented a strict parking Reservation system of all the on! Didnt find the Knife Edge for me was intense died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park get... About hiking Mount Katahdin is a goal for many outdoor enthusiasts unfortunately, my wife had different. Rough, the Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin is a popular because! Edge all that scary present itself climbing but also beautiful views campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin be!

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