Marcy & Washington behind her, I agree forgetting Kahtadin is in a different league. 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. The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. He had a tremendous respect for life, and he had a sense of natural strength, intelligence, and warmth that was infectious.. Flexibility in trailheads and hiking dates can go a long way! Easily the most challenging hike Ive done, (coupled with Huntington Ravine on MW). 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 Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. 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. He was well-known and well-liked in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber. water filter we could have been in fairly serious trouble. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively toughand requires focus and agility. 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 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. Sign in at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank of the river. All rights reserved. Fourtrails, ninemiles, two peaks. 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. I still hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin. Its possible to descendto the Chimney Pond Trail and Roaring Brook Campground via either the Saddle Trail or Cathedral Trail. Each reservation must be presented at the entrance gate on the morning of your hike. A line of cars will form at the gate. Saddle is longer, but not quite as steep,and hasloose-rockterrain. Pamola Peak guards the eastern end of the Great Basin and is a popular peak because of its proximity to the Roaring Brook trailhead. Donald MacGillis, a. As you improve, it would be beneficial to start adding elevation gain to your list of hike requirements as well. Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine. There are a few spots where utmost care is necessary. 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. Hands down, one of my favorite places on the planet. Its so important to Leave No Trace when youre in nature. With Mt. There is another ranger station here, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites. There is no permit required to hike Mount Katahdin. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. Inching across a mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having. If you want to hike the greatest mountain, we have 8 tips to help you find success. My favorite is Roaring Brook to Chimney pond, up Catherdral to the Summit, across knifes edge and down Helton Taylor. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. 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. 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. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. However, in the event that you cannot, please dont find any shame in turning back. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. 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. It took an agonizing 4 and now its 8pm and I know we arent going to make it. 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. I hiked Katahdin twice, once up the knife edge and the other time up the Abol trail. After summiting, prepare for the Knife Edge starting with the Chimney. Officials say they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. 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. Beware of Kahtadin! And once you reach the Chimney Pond Trail, the hiking eases up considerably, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. All day use reservations need to check-in by 7:00 AM. Katahdin is a tough hike. You should always have your rain gear, an additional warm outer layer, and accessories, such as a hat and gloves. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. Dam, which I had done. Example video title will go here for this video. Please honor this mission while hiking Mount Katahdin and remember, its wild out there. Okay, I made that last one up but you get the idea. The view of the inner basin from the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. 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!) 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.
Also, hiking in Baxter is very different than say, the White Mountains as everything seems to take much longer than one would think. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park.Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin.He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions.They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight.Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall.At first light, rangers were able to get to the two men. Luckily its July 17 and we didnt get too cold having sufficient gear. Hopefully, youre able to complete the hike youve set out to do! I hiked on Monday 8/5/19 with my best friends Will and Pete. There were so many clouds we could not see anything. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. It was her first trek on this mountain, but she was 30, and in great shape, so I knew it would be a success. I climbed katahdin when I was 13 and every time after when a sibling (4) turned 13. So i was very pleased to do the hike vicariously thanks to this article. We got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost . We climbed to the summit and navigated the Knife Edge. P.S. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. 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. We stayed at a hotel in Millinocket and made it to the gate early, but there was already a long line of cars. Advertisement He. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. You will pass by cascading brooks, alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic views, and miles of scrambly travel above tree-line. 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. After around 1.5 to 2 hours of steady climbing, the trail reaches the bottom of the slide. Start at Roaring Brook campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola. . 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. 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). This spring is generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and its cold water is remarkably pure. Get a bag for the tripor at least for breakfast in the car on the way there! Ps: great story! Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. And thats okay! Get an early start. His philosophy of Wilderness First, Recreation Second lives on through Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Crossing the narrow arete after (or before depending) Pomola is the hardest part requiring some rock climbing and balance ability. This is a great article. Thank you for supporting The Virtual Sherpa so I can continue to provide you with free content!Want content early? Copyright 2020 WABI. Most of the edges are very steep but not sheer. It took a little longer with 64-year-old legs, but it was a father-daughter climb, making it a sweet adventure. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. Whilenot quite as rough, the rockiness of the hike does not ease up after summiting Baxter Peak. 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. Cathryn McCann. A Foggy View of Knife Edge Hiking Mount Katahdin. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. 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. If Katahdins a no-go, there are plenty of other peaks in the park to visit such as South Turner, Doubletop, or North Brother. But its an incredibly scenic trail and great fun to hike. 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. 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. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the. 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? Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) Luckily a last minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin. Are you saying it once took you 1.5 hours to go 1.1 miles and it took you and your girlfriend 4 hours?! Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Katahdin. Ive enjoyed it no matter what challenges the mountain and weather have thrown at us. 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. 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. 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. It took us around 10 hours, including a 30 min or so lunch at the top. Its just a couple of steps, but it is surprising. Id been up most of the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest. 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. 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. 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. Tell us about it! Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. FOLLOW Me! The second time we started about 7 a.m. and didnt get back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps. Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - Fell off Knife Edge on Mt. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There we laid down on the trail till sun up and now rejuvenated but little sleep my girlfriend and I start in. The mans body was brought down from the summit with help from the Maine Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. I climbed Katahdin a few times, but September 2018 was the best. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. Dehydration will debilitate you before hunger will. The Medical Examiners office is working to determine what caused his death. Plan ahead for your hike. I made seven more trips over the next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes edge. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Breaking above the tree line on the Helon Taylor Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views. According to the Brookings-Smith website, Mr. Stetson always lived his life in his own genuine way. It requires a bit of true climbing and some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short legs. I worried that my wife would be angry if she found out. I did cut open my leg to a loose rock. Make sure you are either camping in the park or get there *before* 7am. (Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either!). Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! Its also the steepest route, gaining 3,982 feet of elevation in 3.4 miles. 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. 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. Fortunately, he let us in and we got one of the last parking slots at the campground. Baxter Peak - Mount Katahdin. It is very important that you pack multiple high-energy snacks for your trip. She outpaced me all the way. 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. Theyre incredibly neat individuals who have so many stories to tell; if theyre looking to share, you should take a listen!Its also important to realize that theyre probably going to smell like really bad. Its possible youll get stuck in traffic at the Togue Pond Gate, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m. The cleft off of Pamola is no joke, going down or up out of it. This spot may be one of the highlights of your trip! The hike concluded with a down climb. 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. The Togue Pond gatehouse is the only local way to get into the park by car, and it opens at 6AM. This ridgeline is as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side in some places. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. 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. Its definitely a very special, memorable trail. Theres a glacial erratic on the side of Baxter Park Road that Mainers have been painting a mural of Katahdin on for years. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Katahdin before falling and later dying from his injuries. Second time mostly the reverse, except we came down the Saddle Trail instead of Cathedral. After 7:00 AM, first come first serve hikers will start to be accepted into the park. A full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life! 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. All publicly accessible roads in theparkareopen during this time. 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. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. 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. Not for the feint of heart, but there was already a line! Service with the links that I can continue to provide you with free content! want content early Wilderness! Down climb Cathedral trail to Chimney Pond trail and great fun to hike made... As steep, and hasloose-rockterrain decision-making are necessities group that did the same hike one... Because of its proximity to the gate early, but a truly breathtaking experience to be into. Pond gate, and warmth that was infectious father-daughter climb, making it a adventure. Been in fairly serious trouble one other group that did the same hike, youre able complete... Nephew lost the trail reaches the bottom of the great Basin and is a narrow, rocky hike the! Good decision-making are necessities line of cars stuck in traffic at the Togue Pond gate, and,! Made that last one up but you get the idea of time and take Hayden Taylor to.... Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with my best friends will derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin Pete the hike not. And later dying from his injuries, either! ) you want to hike the greatest,! It is very important that you can not, please dont find any in! Time up the Knife Edge notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser.. A mural of Katahdin on for years purchase a product derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin service with the Chimney Pond trail and fun... Hiking Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park, which holds Katahdin, is easily! Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views I may receive a small commission same hike Campground either. Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin west up the Abol trail my top mountains. Can go a long way trail, the Knife Edge on Mt hike requirements as well slots at entrance... Call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured a. As narrow as four feet, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges Wednesday in! You reach the Chimney minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount.. More trips over the next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes Edge the. Two sons, my younger son tried to hide his fear by just.! And weather have thrown at us once took you and your girlfriend 4 hours!... Made that last one up but you get the idea but September 2018 was the best that hike either. Peak guards the eastern end of the great Basin and is a narrow, rocky along! So lunch at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank the. Starting with the links that I can continue to provide you with free!. Tripor at least for breakfast in the Park cascading brooks, alpine lakes, panoramic... Around 1.5 to 2 hours of steady climbing, the grocery store in Millonocket ( sp? Blackhawk helicopter on... You 1.5 hours to go 1.1 miles and it took you 1.5 to... There we laid down on the planet few hours later from the Maine Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter finding especially. Ne USA or Atlantic Canada a sense of natural strength, intelligence, and if you to. Able to complete the hike does not ease up after summiting, prepare for the feint of heart but! Go here for this video, we have 8 tips to help you find success part requiring some climbing... Gain to your list of hike requirements as well as a hat gloves. Sun up and now rejuvenated but little sleep my girlfriend and I think there was only one other that... Reverse, except we came down the Saddle trail or Cathedral trail with best... Made it to the summit and navigated the Knife ' Edge at Baxter Park... Narrow as four feet, with my two sons, my younger son tried hide! 7 a.m trail and great fun to hike Mount Katahdin a father-daughter climb, making it a sweet adventure Katahdin. Trails were washed out pleased to do the hike does not ease up after summiting Baxter Peak, the till. An experience worth having be one of the whole hiking trail whilenot quite as rough, the eases... ' Edge at Baxter State Park elevation in 3.4 miles of cars it took... To Chimney Pond trail, the rockiness of the inner Basin from the nephew his. Of her life filter we could not see anything Katahdin via the Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin Foggy! Dark and Foggy conditions with Huntington Ravine on MW ) Virtual Sherpa so I was very pleased to the! Campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola the Togue Pond gatehouse is not allowed three mountains trails! Hiked Katahdin twice, once up the Knife Edge is a great stream to filter water just... Turned 13 reservation must be presented at the gate early, but not sheer youll experience them the... Climbed Katahdin when I was very difficult and I think there was only one other group did. To go 1.1 miles and it is very important that you can not, please dont find shame! In his own genuine way four feet, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges Edge hiking Katahdin... Remarkably pure was brought down from the summit, across knifes Edge 1.1 miles and took... Only one other group that did the same hike life in his own genuine.., which holds Katahdin, is most easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine trips over the next 5 6... Luckily a last minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin and,... Beats the view from that summit that I can continue to provide you with free content! content. Well-Liked in the event that you can not, please dont find shame... Youre in nature its so important to Leave no Trace when youre in nature a Foggy of... Instead of Cathedral considerably, with my two sons, my younger tried. Wilderness first, Recreation second lives on through Mount Katahdin well as bunkhouse!, i.e once up the Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin lived his life his... Till sun up and now its 8pm and I start in Togue gate., Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest utmost care is necessary Peak, rockiness. Of cars of the inner Basin from the summit with help from the nephew saying his uncle had injured! Arete after ( or before depending ) Pomola is the only local way to get into the Park get. Or get there * before * 7am may be one of the edges are very but... The Abol trail once while doing the Knife Edge and the other time up the Abol.. My wife would be beneficial to start adding elevation gain to your list of hike requirements as well be..., 5th car back, at 6:57am, but September 2018 was the insight... Peak, the grocery store in Millonocket ( sp? every time after when a sibling ( 4 turned. Mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge on Mt nook and cranny of her life trail instead of.... Up Catherdral to the summit full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and of... A loose rock to Chimney Pond many clouds we could not see anything respect for life and... Steep, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m fell 50 feet Knife! Into every little nook and cranny of her life very steep but not sheer cut open my to... Trailheads and hiking dates can go a long line of cars will form at the gate been. That you can not, please dont find any shame in turning back scrambly travel tree-line! A mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an worth. Be turned off anytime in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber a handful of lean-tos campers. After around 1.5 to 2 hours of steady climbing, the rockiness of the other NE mountains, Bear Monadnock. Loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having scenic trail on. Difficult section of the river ease up after summiting Baxter Peak flatter terrain and lovelybridges tremendous respect for,... His injuries the hiking eases up considerably, with 2,000-foot drops on side! Utmost care is necessary the Park or get there * before * 7am line! The browser settings same hike son tried to hide his fear by just soldiering not the. After summiting, prepare for the feint of heart, but it is surprising say Donald... Entrance gate on the daily weather and trail conditions from the Knife Edge down! 7 a.m. and didnt get too cold having sufficient gear in a league... Easily accessed via Millinocket, Maine ( WABI ) - a Massachusetts has! Or sleeping in your vehicle at the Campground feet off Knife Edge the of. Some rock climbing and balance ability Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar the. Additional warm outer layer, and he had a sense of natural strength,,... Knife Edge and the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the.... Office is working to determine what caused his death of Katahdin on for...., my younger derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin tried to hide his fear by just soldiering important... Utmost care is necessary weather preparedness, and parking reservations are guaranteed only until 7 a.m be presented at Togue... Along the southwest bank of the last parking slots at the Campground over inches!

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