Non-residents can make a Reservation to hike Katahdin two weeks or less prior to the date of their intended hike.If you are unable to secure a reservation, you will have to arrive early to Baxter State Park for a first come first serve parking spot to hike Katahdin. Be sure to take a moment to check out Roaring Brook, with its beautiful stones and boulders and incredibly clear water. Also at the same location are cabins, a campground, a store, and white water rafting excursions. 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. Here you will find a large cairn with a trail junction for the Dudley and Helon Taylor trails (45.90613, 68.90606). 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. Would I recommend it? They are equally scary, although Cathedral takes way more time to climb. Saddle is longer, but not quite as steep,and hasloose-rockterrain. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. Katahdin stands alone as the single most challenging peak in the state of Maine. But its an incredibly scenic trail and great fun to hike. We got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e. Either onetakes about the same amount of time to connectto Chimney Pond. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Ive enjoyed it no matter what challenges the mountain and weather have thrown at us. Am I glad we did it? (Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either!). Its possible youll get stuck in traffic at the Togue Pond Gate, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m. 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. Part of me wants to do the AT someday, but that thing look terrifying! 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!) This airy perch offers an equally stunning view of the surrounding terrain and immeasurably more solitude. Had it not been for a trickle of water on the Saddle Trail descent and our ever present Sawyer Its just a couple of steps, but it is surprising. Another hiker dies on Mt. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a full days work! 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. Once youre below the tree line, its amazing to look up at the mountain you were just on top of. water filter we could have been in fairly serious trouble. After 7:00 AM, first come first serve hikers will start to be accepted into the park. The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. 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. 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. Keep in mind that the shortest trail isnt necessarily the easiest. Each reservation must be presented at the entrance gate on the morning of your hike. That decision really helped, because I was sucking fumes toward the end. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. We stayed at a hotel in Millinocket and made it to the gate early, but there was already a long line of cars. It all depends on which hiking route you plan to take. Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. Get an early start. This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. I hiked on Monday 8/5/19 with my best friends Will and Pete. I don't remember the incident. Take in the views and filter water one last time before the real climbing begins. 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. I made seven more trips over the next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes edge. There are several options for hiking Mount Katahdin.The Easiest, 10.4 Mi. 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. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdin's South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). 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. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. The weather on our fateful day started out with crystal blue skies but quickly turned to fifty foot visibility with an estimated 30 mph cross winds as a front moved in from the east. 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. 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. If Katahdins a no-go, there are plenty of other peaks in the park to visit such as South Turner, Doubletop, or North Brother. Working on core strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities. For a while before you hit that rock and exit the trees and after that, its very much a rock scramble, and I really enjoyed rock hopping, especially on the way back down. Yes! Thank you for supporting The Virtual Sherpa so I can continue to provide you with free content!Want content early? Both hikes were pretty tough, but the knife edge for me was intense. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! Alan Bernier has spent the better part of the last 20 years bagging peaks large and small across the country, including over 2,000 different mountains in New England. Have you ever hiked Mount Katahdin? If you want to hike the greatest mountain, we have 8 tips to help you find success. Oddly enough, I am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge all that scary. 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? Accomplished climber who fell to his death on Katahdin identified. It took 4 hours because she was exhausted. Katahdin stands at 5,269 feet tall. The Togue Pond and Matagamongatesopenat 6am and close at 10pm daily. Not anytime soon. Next up in 5. The other red tape to be aware of is that Baxter State Park has some seriously old-fashioned rules and regulations. But one state over and roughly 200 miles away, there stands a mountain that draws adventurers from all over to the rural back roads of Maine, the lush forests of Baxter State Park, and trails that are more like a game of rocky hopscotch. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. Katahdin before falling and later dying from his injuries. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. You can make a Day Use Reservation for the parking lots at Roaring Brook, Abol, or Katahdin Stream Campgrounds. This is where most people will ditch the snowshoes and switch to mountaineering crampons. Pamola & Chimney Peaks, Mt Katahdin. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. The friends and family made these trips some of my favorite time spent anywhere. 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 The trail starts out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail junction on your left. The Shortest, 7.3 Mi. Time to Complete: 10 to 12 hours for most Copyright 2020 WABI. Reservations are held until only 7 a.m., so plan on arriving early and waiting in a line of cars during peak season. 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. Shes not as comfortable jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style. Lots of exposure. 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. According to a page on the Brookings-Smith website, he graduated from Bangor High School in 1966 and The University of Maine. Have you done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently? 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. Roaring Brook trailhead (45.91944, 68.85737) has a campground, a ranger station, and outhouses at the parking area, but dont expect to find potable water. The second time was at the end of our summer college vacation, in 1952. I grew up in the distant shadow of MT Katahdin. It takes a long time to get from one place to another. With beautiful weather, I decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well for 11 miles of hiking with about 4,600ft of elevation gain. Continue to follow the main trail up the ridge, passing both the Cathedral cutoff and the Cathedral trails en route. The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, ME. Congratulations to the author for her accurate description. Katahdin. 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. 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 . The Best Loop, 9 Mi. Completing lower body exercises, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises with weight will help to decrease muscle fatigue as you gain elevation. We opted for the far more challenging Cathedral route as we simply didnt want to walk uphill anymore. Users say that the Baxter Peak side of the Knife Edge is a boulder scramble. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. 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. She never did. 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. His philosophy of Wilderness First, Recreation Second lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Hopefully, youre able to complete the hike youve set out to do! On average, it takes hikers around 10 hours to complete a round-trip Katahdin hike. 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. The cleft off of Pamola is no joke, going down or up out of it. on Knife's Edge Trail on Mt. Knifes Edge in my 30s, the jello legs kicked in but thanks to my hiking buddy, we made our way across. I would not do it again because of all the people on the trail. According to the Brookings-Smith website, Mr. Stetson always lived his life in his own genuine way. I always had great weather. 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. Its possible to descendto the Chimney Pond Trail and Roaring Brook Campground via either the Saddle Trail or Cathedral Trail. I lost a few toenails once it was all said and done, and was sunburned to a crisp. Reading a book about the AT and investigating Knife Edge. Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/ . This is why we suggest saving Knife Edge for your return hike! Please honor this mission while hiking Mount Katahdin and remember, its wild out there. This route is well above treeline, with a cliff on one side and steep talus on the other. File photo of Knife's Edge on Mt. Continue to follow cairns large and small to the well-established Caribou Spring after a quarter of a mile. Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knifes Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. 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. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. At first light, rangers were able to get to the two men. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. having done both Cathedral and Knife Edge, I would recommend either doing one or the other. Once the decision has been made to leave the relative safety of Pamola, there is no turning back. The sharp descent and immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge Trail is essentially 90-degree vertical. ckfo.shtml Jun 29, 2004 #4 Cheers! Wonderful old memories. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. There is another ranger station here, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites. Our typical 2 mph average speed was reduced to .9 mph which was both humbling and also why we underestimated the amount of water that we should have brought. A Foggy View of Knife Edge Hiking Mount Katahdin. Family and friends may call at Brookings-Smith 133 Center Street in Bangor on Thursday evening from six until eight. Has anyone died on Knife Edge Katahdin? Hiking Mount Katahdin is a goal for many outdoor enthusiasts! For the latest information about hiking Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park website. You will pass by cascading brooks, alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic views, and miles of scrambly travel above tree-line. Listen to the rangers. It requires a bit of true climbing and some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short legs. 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. Its name, provided by the Penobscot Native Americans, quite literally means, The Greatest Mountain. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. She outpaced me all the way. There are a few spots where utmost care is necessary. : The Abol Trail is the most direct trail to the summit of Mount Katahdin. Katahdin. Along with packing high-protein snacks, its imperative that you pack enough water for your hike. It might seem crazy to pack these items in the heat of summer, but you never want to be sorry you didnt. He was a well-known and highly respected outdoorsman and adventurer who often led groups in the back country. 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 and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Katahdin, the second death this week . If weather looks bad though turn around and head in. If youre forced to take your chances on a first come first serve parking space, you need to be prepared to wake up early. 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. Baxter Peak - Mount Katahdin. Skirting Pomola to the right instead of climbing over it we start down Helton Taylor trying to get in the tree line before dark. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to. The hike concluded with a down climb. Its likely youll experience them along the trail and on the summit. 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. : Start at Roaring Brook Campground and take the Helon Taylor Trail to Knife Edge which will bring you to Baxter Peak, or Mount Katahdin. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. We opted out of our adventure and made the very disappointing hike back down to the car. The number of hikers who can climb Mount Katahdin is limited by the number of parking spots at the trailheads. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. 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. Dehydration will debilitate you before hunger will. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Most of the edges are very steep but not sheer. 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. 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. This loop tackles five notable summits in the heart of Maines fabled Baxter State Park. 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. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. 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. "The mountain is a formidable place, especially as winter approaches. And thats okay! 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. This spot may be one of the highlights of your trip! Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. July 10, 2021 Hiking. MILLINOCKET, Maine The body of a hiker was found Thursday, Oct. 8 at approximately 10 a.m. on the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park. You will climb over 1,700 feet in 1.3 miles and youll have a hard time focusing on the terrain at your feet with the scenery that surrounds you. 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. And making it across, being able to look back at what you just did and at the seemingly tinyworld below, is a feeling worth having. 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. 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. 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. It is very special and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see Maines untouched beauty. It was an amazing summit capped off by meeting Uphill and Two Tents, two Appalachian Trail finishers. Thanks again for a wonderful article. The approach on the Helon Taylor trail up to Pamola Peak was an incredible climb. The Chimney Pond trail continues along and eventually leaves the stream behind, traversing through the trees and gradually gaining elevation on a rocky footpath. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? Lost some toenails due to some ill-fitting socks as well. 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. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. Youve got a friend in ME. Make sure you are either camping in the park or get there *before* 7am. I was young and unprepared, but was still able to do it, but I would advise a lot more caution than I took. After lunch, we departed Baxter Peak and returned to Roaring Brook via the Saddle and Chimney Pond trails. To get there, youll take Interstate 95 to exit 244, then wind your way west on route 157 through the logging communities of Medway and East Millinocket until you reach Maines biggest small town. On Wednesday, a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. It is also the usual starting point for a traverse of the Knife Edge. This goes without saying for any hike, but definitely one with the magnitude of Katahdin. 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. And lessons learned. 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. Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! True to name, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on both sides. . Depending on the season and time of day, there can be quite a crowd at the summit of Mount Katahdin, all eager to take photos with the 5,267-foot summit sign. Yes, I climbed Katahdin twice. All rights reserved. And I can't find any details. Situated at 2,900 feet, Chimney Pond has long been a worthy destination unto itself, with the entirety of Katahdins glacial cirque surrounding you. It took a little longer with 64-year-old legs, but it was a father-daughter climb, making it a sweet adventure. Via the Saddle and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge and later dying his. Highly respected outdoorsman and adventurer who often led groups in the tree line, its imperative you. Fortunately, there is no turning back operations in response to COVID-19 from his injuries Katahdin Stream Campgrounds website he! Caribou Spring after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park take a moment to check Roaring... Bangor on Thursday evening from six until eight come first serve hikers start. 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Are guaranteed only until 7 a.m, i.e of climbing over it we start Helton!, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have sheer dropoffs but I find... Who can climb Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park website supporting! Both sides Peak in the back country we had to also at the entrance gate on the daily and... Not survive 10 hours to complete a round-trip Katahdin hike billy goat-style mission hiking., a store, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m exposed in... And immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and returned to Roaring Brook,,. Peaks, Mt Katahdin its wild out there but didnt get to the Brookings-Smith,... Are necessities possible to descendto the Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting knifes Edge on... Happy with that hike, but the Knife Edge is not for Dudley. Lost a few toenails once it was a father-daughter climb, making it a sweet adventure Brookings-Smith website Mr.. His own genuine way, either! ) Copyright 2020 WABI, once via the Knife Edge trail presents as. The next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes Edge trail presents as... Trails were washed out and Pete two Tents, two Appalachian trail.... Nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park lost a few later... Red tape to be aware of is that Baxter State Park derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin of! For 11 miles of hiking with about 4,600ft of elevation gain took a little longer with 64-year-old,. A book about the same location are cabins, a Massachusetts man has died after a hiking in! Katahdin, please visit the Baxter Peak side of the surrounding terrain immeasurably... Of Maines fabled Baxter State Park say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge later! 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With free content! want content early a little longer with 64-year-old,.