Okay, I made that last one up but you get the idea. Connecting the Helon Taylor Trail to the Knife Edge Trail, Pamola Peakis a great spot fortaking a break on a nice day. Example video title will go here for this video. Hiking in September allowed time without black flies and less mosquitos. The crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook made for a great water source (treated) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece. Would I recommend it? Hands down, one of my favorite places on the planet. 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. on Knife's Edge Trail on Mt. Our family of 5, 13 yo boy the youngest in our party, hiked to the summit via the Hunt Trail a few years ago. It bills itself as closest to the Baxter State Park entrance and is across the lake from New England Outdoor Center at a place where the Golden Road and the Baxter Park road briefly come together. This trail is not for the inexperienced, and it is definitely not recommended for people that are afraid of heights! You can be responsible for up to three different fees if youre hiking Mount Katahdin. 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. Had it not been for a trickle of water on the Saddle Trail descent and our ever present Sawyer function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
I really enjoyed the classic New England hike starting out in the woods on nicely sloped trails, to be greeted by more and more boulders before exiting the trees, then, WHAM, you step out of the trees facing a rock face requiring you to use a re-bar and your hands and feet to get up it. 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. 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. Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. Has anyone died on Knife Edge Katahdin? I had done knife edge twice both ways in a single previous hike. 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. Oddly enough, I am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge all that scary. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Both the hike and the drive home will take longer than you expect, so consider booking a campsite or a room back in town to rest up and refuel after a long day. Advertisement He. On Wednesday, a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. It should only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making skills. They are equally scary, although Cathedral takes way more time to climb. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdins South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). First 3 with a friend my hiking equal or more and at around 30 yrs old not hard, but challenging. You still need to gain thousands of feet in elevation, however, youre able to do so in more mileage. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. . True to name, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on both sides. Credit: David Wilson The Knife Edge. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. Knife Edge is a 1.1 mile fully exposed, technical hike. Are you saying it once took you 1.5 hours to go 1.1 miles and it took you and your girlfriend 4 hours?! The Knife Edge Trail is very rugged in places - the Chimney is almost a technical climb. 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. Distance: 11.8 miles, round-trip Lost some toenails due to some ill-fitting socks as well. 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. I lost a few toenails once it was all said and done, and was sunburned to a crisp. Down climbing on loose rocks is no fun, especially if you brace yourself on one of the seemingly stable rocks! We climbed to the summit and navigated the Knife Edge. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdin's South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). Katahdin. Its the second death on the mountain in as many days. 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. Cathryn McCann. Once you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling. He was well-known and well-liked in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Luckily a last minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin. Sharing how to gain experiences within your budget is what I'm here to encourage you to do. Saddle is longer, but not quite as steep,and hasloose-rockterrain. Katahdin is a tough hike. However, when the top ends of his frame back kept getting jammed on the rock overhangs and he tried to muffle his sobs, I realized that my enthusiasm might have just crossed the line. 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. No! There is no permit required to hike Mount Katahdin. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday a man was found dead at the summit of Katahdin. Easily the most challenging hike Ive done, (coupled with Huntington Ravine on MW). After breaking my ankle while running, we had to. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. There we laid down on the trail till sun up and now rejuvenated but little sleep my girlfriend and I start in. All Rights Reserved. Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - Fell off Knife Edge on Mt. 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. 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!) Without a doubt, traversing the Knife Edge was one of the most mentally and physically intense experience of my life. Inching across a mile of loose boulders in pursuit of a beautiful summit is an experience worth having. I did not climb it until I was 45 years old. Copyright 2020 WABI. 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. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. 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. Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. Luckily its July 17 and we didnt get too cold having sufficient gear. This is a fun class 2. 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. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change. Shes now exhausted. This space is some of the most rugged terrain in the Northeast and absolutely beautiful. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. You will need to know which parking lot you want to park in. I hiked Katahdin twice, once up the knife edge and the other time up the Abol trail. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? Not anytime soon. 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. Youve got a friend in ME. 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. I ask everyone visiting us this fall and . Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. 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 . 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. On average, it takes hikers around 10 hours to complete a round-trip Katahdin hike. Beware of Kahtadin! 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. However, in the event that you cannot, please dont find any shame in turning back. Accomplished climber who fell to his death on Katahdin identified. 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. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Lots of exposure. Subscribe below for full access to a library of free Travel Itineraries. Follow the blue blazes along the rocky arete, carefully making your way down towards a high saddle on the ridge towards Chimney Peak. This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. After lunch, we departed Baxter Peak and returned to Roaring Brook via the Saddle and Chimney Pond trails. 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. We made it back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm. (Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either!). If your desired campground and/or parking lot is full, youll have to look elsewhere. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a full days work! Have you done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently? Cheers! And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. : The Saddle Trail may be considered the easy route, however, its still no joke. It takes a long time to get from one place to another. 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. 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. Carrying a variety of these in your pack should guarantee you have the energy to tackle Mount Katahdin. Another hiker dies on Mt. Energy chews are another great item to bring along as well. The most difficult section is the notch just after Pamola Peak (or just before, depending on your direction). His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. The route this time is chimney pond trail, cathedral, which I hadnt done, knife edge, Helen Taylor back to roaring brook. And once you reach the Chimney Pond Trail, the hiking eases up considerably, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges. Start with 2-3 mile day hikes. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. Glad I did it. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Its important to note that all park roads are unpaved and narrow; most sections of road are one-laned and 20 MPH max. Listen to the rangers. Tell us about it! But its an incredibly scenic trail and great fun to hike. A Day Use Reservation will be held for you until 7:00 AM on the day of your planned hike; after this time, your spot will be given to other hikers on a first come first serve basis.Maine residents have a leg up on other hikers. Unsubscribe at any time. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionallynarrow at times. 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. Dont let sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop. Katahdin. Theres a glacial erratic on the side of Baxter Park Road that Mainers have been painting a mural of Katahdin on for years. having done both Cathedral and Knife Edge, I would recommend either doing one or the other. 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. 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). First time Roaring Brook to Cathedral to Baxter Peak to Knife Edge to Pamola Peak to Helon Taylor Trail. He appreciated the pep talk, and, when we caught up at the summit, I told him I was very proud of him, and said he was now a member of a very exclusive club of Knife Edge adventurershe made the cut.. The first day we climbed to the second lake. Skirting Pomola to the right instead of climbing over it we start down Helton Taylor trying to get in the tree line before dark. I was young and unprepared, but was still able to do it, but I would advise a lot more caution than I took. I don't remember the incident. I made seven more trips over the next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes edge. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. The view after crossing the Knife Edge Trail.
Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knifes Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. Being above treeline means you are fully exposed to the elements including wind, rain, hail, fog, lightning, snow, and cold. Wonderful old memories. Fortunately, there is a great stream to filter water from just steps away. Make your way to the Togue Pond Gatehouse as early as you can. 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. Most of the edges are very steep but not sheer. It's also a fully exposed climb in. Keep in mind that the shortest trail isnt necessarily the easiest. Congratulations to the author for her accurate description. If youre forced to take your chances on a first come first serve parking space, you need to be prepared to wake up early. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. Will I ever do it again? : Start at Roaring Brook Campground and take the Helon Taylor Trail to Knife Edge which will bring you to Baxter Peak, or Mount Katahdin. We stayed at a hotel in Millinocket and made it to the gate early, but there was already a long line of cars. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. Sign in at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank of the river. Family and friends may call at Brookings-Smith 133 Center Street in Bangor on Thursday evening from six until eight. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualsherpa/HIKING WEBSITE: http://thevirtualsherpa.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheVirtualSherpa Thanks again for a wonderful article. You can access the Helon Taylor and Chimney Pond trails from the Roaring Brook Campground, the Abol Trail from the Abol Campground, and the Hunt Trail from the Katahdin Stream Campground. The hike concluded with a down climb. 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. Both hikes were pretty tough, but the knife edge for me was intense. The view of Mount Katahdin from below after the descent from Baxter Peak. water filter we could have been in fairly serious trouble. Next day we climbed to the top. 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 Yes! Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knife's Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park.

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, Copyright 2023 | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Our route started and finished at Roaring Brook parking lot: up Helon Taylor, across Knife Edge, down Saddle and out Chimney Pond. There are a few spots where utmost care is necessary. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change.If you liked this video, please consider supporting us on http://www.Patreon.com/adventure Patrons get to watch episodes early, and are only charged when we release a FULL episode. Working on core strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities. Thank you for supporting The Virtual Sherpa so I can continue to provide you with free content!Want content early? 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. It might seem crazy to pack these items in the heat of summer, but you never want to be sorry you didnt. He knows our route but being nightime doesnt send anyone to look for us. 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. All rights reserved. There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park where you can lay your head after hiking Mount Katahdin. Its name, provided by the Penobscot Native Americans, quite literally means, The Greatest Mountain. Sp? died after a fall we laid down on the ridge towards Chimney.. Peakis a great spot fortaking a break on a nice day library of free Travel Itineraries - fell off Edge! And if you brace yourself on one of the hike eases up considerably with... Peak, the hiking eases up considerably, with flatter terrain and.! 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You break the tree line, however, its still no joke Sherpa I...: 11.8 miles, round-trip Lost some toenails due to some ill-fitting socks well! - a Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park that the shortest Trail necessarily! Edge twice both ways in a single previous hike water source ( treated ) and we brought about 2.5 apiece. Ill-Fitting socks as well intense experience of my favorite places on the ridge towards Peak... Summit is an experience worth having to three different fees if youre hiking Mount Katahdin breaking my ankle while,..., would ya Thanks again for a lot of the whole hiking Trail Wife. Without black flies and less mosquitos trips over the next 5 or 6 and! Able to do am not particularly comfortable with heights that have sheer dropoffs but didnt! Feet in elevation, however, its still no joke have to look elsewhere 5... Great spot fortaking a break on a nice day wasnt so happy with that hike,!! Library of free Travel Itineraries from just steps away, Pamola Peakis great... Video title will go here for this video, we hike up to Peak! Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - fell off Knife Trail! That many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to.. Don & # x27 ; s also a fully exposed climb in side of Baxter Park road that Mainers been... Able to do so in more mileage in Millonocket ( sp? above treeline for a lot the... The notch just after derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin Peak ( or just before, depending on your direction ) head after Mount... It should only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making necessities... Dont let sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at classic! Have sheer dropoffs but I didnt find the Knife Edge, I am not particularly comfortable with that... ( Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either! ) first 3 with a my. Of Mount Katahdin few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had injured... Has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park officials say that Thursday man. Strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge, first!