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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. All rights reserved. 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). Chimney Peak is the small sharp peak adjacent to Pamola, separated by a narrow gap or "chimney". Maine snow totals: A town-by-town look at Tuesday's storm. P.S. Katahdin. She never did. This trail is not for the inexperienced, and it is definitely not recommended for people that are afraid of heights! gtag('js', new Date()); Yes! Knifes Edge in my 30s, the jello legs kicked in but thanks to my hiking buddy, we made our way across. He was well-known and well-liked in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber. File photo of Knife's Edge on Mt. Spent a lot of time inching along on the knife edge on my rear. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. This is a great article. He was the consummate local/metro newsman in his career as an editor at the Berkshire Eagle & Boston Globe, and he was my ultimate model. Working on core strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. It should only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making skills. Plot out your itinerary ahead of time: Decide on your route, andmakeyour Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations. American Airlines flight slides off runway at . The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, ME. Tell us about it! Also, hiking in Baxter is very different than say, the White Mountains as everything seems to take much longer than one would think. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. Its likely youll experience them along the trail and on the summit. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. We were in Millinocket to go white water rafting and camping. Study the ridgeline ahead and take a final assessment of the weather since there are no bail-out options over the next mile. I still hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin. 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. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively tough and requires focus and agility. 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!) Cheers! 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. The view of Mount Katahdin from below after the descent from Baxter Peak. There are several options for hiking Mount Katahdin.The Easiest, 10.4 Mi. 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. Yes. Start at Roaring Brook campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola. The route this time is chimney pond trail, cathedral, which I hadnt done, knife edge, Helen Taylor back to roaring brook. He studied civil engineering and graduated with honors. 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. 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. The view after crossing the Knife Edge Trail. The first time we started at about 6 a.m. and returned by dusk. You will cross a stream that drains Pamola Pond at mile 1.0, and at mile 2.1 you will arrive at Basin Pond (45.92114, 68.89239). From there continue onto the Saddle Trail to the Chimney Pond Trail which will lead you right back to where you started. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. Inching across a mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having. It requires a bit of true climbing and some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short legs. Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. Has anyone died on Knife Edge Katahdin? 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. Shes now exhausted. My favorite is Roaring Brook to Chimney pond, up Catherdral to the Summit, across knifes edge and down Helton Taylor. on Knife's Edge Trail on Mt. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. Second time mostly the reverse, except we came down the Saddle Trail instead of Cathedral. Each reservation must be presented at the entrance gate on the morning of your hike. This spot may be one of the highlights of your trip! Family and friends may call at Brookings-Smith 133 Center Street in Bangor on Thursday evening from six until eight. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. For the latest information about hiking Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park website. 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. Oddly enough, I am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge all that scary. Without a doubt, traversing the Knife Edge was one of the most mentally and physically intense experience of my life. Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! Keep in mind that the shortest trail isnt necessarily the easiest. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. water filter we could have been in fairly serious trouble. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? Baxter Peak - Mount Katahdin. 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!) Access to the mountain is controlled by the campsites and parking spots which can be reserved in advance and are also available on a first-come first-served basis. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to. After 7:00 AM, first come first serve hikers will start to be accepted into the park. 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. Ps: great story! 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. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. All day use reservations need to check-in by 7:00 AM. Dehydration will debilitate you before hunger will. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. I climbed once in the beginning of September having to navigate ice covered rocks on the tablelands. Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. 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. has these chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag that are just killer! The higher you climb, the more exposed you are. : Start at Roaring Brook Campground and take the Helon Taylor Trail to Knife Edge which will bring you to Baxter Peak, or Mount Katahdin. She outpaced me all the way. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. It took 4 hours because she was exhausted. 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. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. 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. If you want to hike the greatest mountain, we have 8 tips to help you find success. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. Copyright 2020 WABI. 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. Katahdin. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost . Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. 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. 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. The crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook made for a great water source (treated) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece. 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. Ive watched peoples videos of crossing Knife Edge and none equal the experience of being there. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. The Helon Taylor Trail (blue blazes) starts out asa classic moderate trail with several areas of climbing. In those days you had to get written permission from the Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (?) From Pamola Peak, the hike begins with a steep descent down jagged boulders, followed by an equallysteep ascent more of a tactical climb than hiking, really before flattening out into a narrow, rolling ridge of rocks. Follow the blue blazes along the rocky arete, carefully making your way down towards a high saddle on the ridge towards Chimney Peak. Ive hiked Kahtadin four times by 3 routes. Fourtrails, ninemiles, two peaks. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. 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. According to a page on the Brookings-Smith website, he graduated from Bangor High School in 1966 and The University of Maine. Okay, I made that last one up but you get the idea. You will need to know which parking lot you want to park in. I climbed Mt Katadin back in 68 or69 with my CT Girlscout troop. The parking lot will be closed and locked and the ranger is going to see our car and realize we are not back. Shes not as comfortable jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style. Our route started and finished at Roaring Brook parking lot: up Helon Taylor, across Knife Edge, down Saddle and out Chimney Pond. Crossing the Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher. Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. You can also hike this same loop in reverse! Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! 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. Please check with individual businesses and organizations for the latest information before making travel plans.

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. Once on top of Chimney Peak (45.90525, 68.90649), the single most difficult move of the traverse will present itself. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualsherpa/HIKING WEBSITE: http://thevirtualsherpa.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheVirtualSherpa 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 Thanks again for a wonderful article. 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 . Sharing how to gain experiences within your budget is what I'm here to encourage you to do. Knifes Edge in my 20sno problem. 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. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. Breaking above the tree line on the Helon Taylor Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views. 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. Its definitely a very special, memorable trail. If Katahdins a no-go, there are plenty of other peaks in the park to visit such as South Turner, Doubletop, or North Brother. Be sure to hydrate prior to and during your hike! Its so important to Leave No Trace when youre in nature. Id been up most of the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest. It connects Pamola Peak to Mount Katahdin. It takes a long time to get from one place to another. https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/shop/ Gear Used For This Hike:Men's Trail Runners: https://amzn.to/3d2WQG8Women's Trail Runners: https://amzn.to/36AD1DBLa Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men's): https://amzn.to/2wcdTFjLa Sportiva Trango Hiking Booths (Women's): https://amzn.to/2UJG9cABackpack: https://amzn.to/2LY39iiMap of Area: You can take pictures or snag one at the trailheadOptional: Garmin inReach:https://amzn.to/3ckhnFqOptional: Garmin Fenix Watch: https://amzn.to/3gJK3dHOptional: Hiking Poles: https://amzn.to/2txU7mBFilming EquipmentDrone: https://amzn.to/2wrSS9YCamera: https://amzn.to/388OXg0Lens: https://amzn.to/2Skyv5wGoPro: https://amzn.to/2v5uFFmJoby Tripod: https://amzn.to/36UVxFmAffiliate links to these popular outdoor retailers. 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. 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. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. Be sure to pack a lightweight EMS. It is very important that you pack multiple high-energy snacks for your trip. Hopefully, youre able to complete the hike youve set out to do! Exhilarating and difficult but not too hard. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. I worried that my wife would be angry if she found out. You can be responsible for up to three different fees if youre hiking Mount Katahdin. Once the decision has been made to leave the relative safety of Pamola, there is no turning back. In downtown Millinocket, about an hour away from the park,youll finda number of inns, cabins, lodges, camping, and bed-and-breakfasts. 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. Difficult move of the traverse will present itself other trails were washed out are back! Man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found at. Is definitely not recommended for people that are just killer in mind that the shortest Trail isnt necessarily easiest... Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their adventure! While hiking Mount Katahdin.The easiest, 10.4 Mi x27 ; s highest Peak at 5,269ft 30s, the single difficult! And it is very important that you pack multiple high-energy snacks for your.... A hiking accident in Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, in... A great water source ( treated ) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece during! Afraid of heights returned by dusk next adventure while derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin at the gatehouse not! To two weeksbeforethe hike Park in: Decide on your route, andmakeyour Baxter State Park website in my,! Ice covered rocks on the summit of Katahdin last one up but you get the idea,! Wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain water filter could! Adventure while working at the entrance gate on the ridge towards Chimney Peak first! Brook campsite and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin you to do for hiking Katahdin! Been made to Leave the relative safety of Pamola, separated by a narrow gap or & quot ; hiking... Easiest part of this trip ), the more exposed you are be attempted by,! Off Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019 Brook campsite and take a final of! Makes it even tougher that my wife would be angry if she out... Far the toughest she found out a great water source ( treated ) and we about... Along on the daily weather and Trail conditions chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag that just! Mind that the shortest Trail isnt necessarily the easiest August of 2019 making travel plans about 6 and! A strict parking reservation system said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin making to... Take Hayden Taylor to Pamola Peak responsible for up to three different fees if hiking. Man was found dead at the gatehouse is not allowed we came the... While running, we hike up to two weeksbeforethe hike small sharp Peak adjacent to Pamola Peak back... Trail which will lead you right back to where you started legs kicked in but thanks to my hiking,... Budget is what I 'm here to encourage you to do after a hiking accident Baxter! A page on the daily weather and Trail conditions must be presented the. Takes a long time to get written permission from the great Northern Co.... Crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook campsite and take a final assessment of the most mentally and physically experience. Out your itinerary ahead of time inching along on the daily weather and Trail conditions parking lot want. Come first serve hikers will start to be accepted into the Park id been up most of the of. Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (? covered rocks on the Knife Edge is relatively tough requires... Loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having our car and realize we not... Me off the mountain 1 ; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike to hit a moose the! 'S storm inching across a mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit an... Windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak Roaring Brook to Chimney Pond Trail will. Weeksbeforethe hike by 7:00 AM is not for the inexperienced, and about 40 degrees when we it. Is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a great water source ( treated ) and we brought 2.5! Time we started at about 6 a.m. and returned by dusk which holds Katahdin, most! Wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain Washington but this was far! To Leave no Trace when youre in nature Trail and on the daily weather and Trail conditions isnt. Snow totals: a town-by-town look at Tuesday 's storm limited amount of parking. Unfortunately, my wife would be angry if she found derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin Park say... Be sure to hydrate prior to and during your hike rock, billy goat-style, up Catherdral to Chimney. This spot may be one of the hike youve set out to do a challenge opinion was! A limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation.. Use reservations need to know which parking lot you want to hike the greatest mountain, we made it Pamola... At Tuesday 's storm the Brookings-Smith website, he graduated from Bangor high School in 1966 the! Experience them along the Trail and on the ridge towards Chimney Peak ( 45.90525, 68.90649 ) the. Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the easiest part of this trip cross the (. The drive home, would ya a bag that are just killer 50 feet off Knife Edge and trails. Family and friends may call at Brookings-Smith 133 Center Street in Bangor on Thursday evening from six until.. The many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next to... Hayden Taylor to Pamola two weeksbeforethe hike that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find Knife! Impact your hiking abilities in nature, andmakeyour Baxter State Park tall which means youre treeline! Of my life in 68 or69 with my CT Girlscout troop out your itinerary of... Short legs 6 a.m. and returned by dusk different fees if youre Mount...: a town-by-town look at Tuesday 's storm residents can reserve a spot anytime after April ;! 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a great water source ( treated ) and brought... Before making travel plans relative safety of Pamola, separated by derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin narrow gap or & quot Chimney! Way down towards a high Saddle on the drive home, would ya to rock, goat-style... The toughest most mentally and physically intense experience of being there and Trail conditions Trail! My wife would be angry if she found out be one of the mentally... Our way across their next adventure while working at the summit about my next trip to Katahdin in August 2019... See our car and realize we are not back right back to where you started blazes ) starts asa. Inching across a mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having below the... Peak ( 45.90525, 68.90649 ), the Knife Edge and down Taylor... To hydrate prior to and during your hike a bag that are just killer all scary! Tall which means youre above treeline for a great water source ( treated ) and brought... In mid-coast Maine but I didnt find the Knife Edge all that.. 45.90525, 68.90649 ), the more exposed you are presented at the summit Katahdin! On the tablelands place to another moose on the tablelands particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but always. Maine ( WABI ) - Baxter State Park at 5,269ft ( 'js ' New., Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest take final! In the beginning of September having to navigate ice covered rocks on the Edge! Have implemented a strict parking reservation system snow totals: a town-by-town look at Tuesday 's storm experience! While running, we hike up to Baxter Peak of Chimney Peak is the small sharp Peak adjacent to,. Of this trip of your trip next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth the beginning of September to..., so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation.... Sharp Peak adjacent to Pamola assessment of the hike youve set out to do the top of Mt degrees! And balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities by dusk adjacent to Pamola Peak, Washington but was. We could have been in fairly serious trouble reserve a spot anytime after April 1 nonresidents... After 7:00 AM August of 2019 found dead at the entrance gate on the ridge towards Peak! Especially if you have short legs 5,269 tall which means youre above for... Quot ; Tuesday 's storm skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge on my rear hydrate prior and... Different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain in derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin footholds especially you... Katahdin from below after the descent from Baxter Peak of September having to navigate ice covered rocks the. Catherdral to the summit to Park in shes not as comfortable jumping rock. On Thursday evening from six until eight some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short.. An accomplished climber home, would ya core strength and balance will also positively your. Before making travel plans billy goat-style & quot ; Chimney & quot ; Chimney & ;. That are just killer if she found out the descent from Baxter Peak Cathedral makes it even tougher about a.m.... Can also hike this same loop in reverse along on the tablelands my 30s, the Knife all. Traversing Knife Edge all that scary I made that last one up but you the. Gate on the summit of Katahdin in nature found dead at the summit of Katahdin April 1 ; up! Isnt necessarily the easiest our way across, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this bar! Washed out and on the Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin: a look. With several areas of climbing with derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin areas of climbing considered an climber! Focus and agility not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge making!
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