Hiking Mount Katahdin is simply an incredible experience. As you approach Baxter State Park, you see off in the distance the rocky and steep slopes of the highest peaks in all of Maine. Most who come have read about, seen pictures or watched videos of hikers along the Knife’s Edge (I know I did). Anticipation of standing atop is nearly unbearable. No matter how many videos you watch, you will still be an awe standing atop. Whether you have hiked Katahdin 15 times, or are approaching the trailhead for the first time, excitement builds, and the views don’t disappoint (weather permitting of course).

Elevation: 5,269 feet

Elevation Gain: Around 4,000 feet depending on the trail.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 8.6 miles

Duration: 5-10 hours

The video below features a section of the knife edge showcasing the steep drop-offs and views.

Trails

Knife Edge – 1.1 miles connecting Katahdin and Pamola

This trail is ridiculously awesome. It features insane views in all directions, steep ledges, lots of rock scrambling, cliffs and sometimes even a little danger. Anyone without a fear of heights, and comfortable rock hopping and also comfortable with a short rock climb should do this trail. It is worth it. Keep in mind it is especially dangerous when wet, windy or cold.

Elevation Gain of 365 feet from Pamola to Katahdin

View of Knife Edge from Katahdin Peak

Abol Trail – 4.3 miles base to summit (3,900 foot gain)

The Abol Trail was a great trail up to the peak of Katahdin. It begins at Abol Campground within Baxter state park. It meets up with the Hunt trail near the summit. It is the shortest trail up to the summit and offers some rock scrambling, lots of exposed hiking and quickly gets you above treeline. The trail has no large stream crossings. Though it has quite a few steep sections, it certainly has less scrambling than the Hunt Trail.

Elevation Gain: 3,982 Feet

Hunt Trail – 5.2 miles base to summit (4,188 foot gait)

The Hunt trail is the last trail (or first) for AT thru-hikers. It begins at Katahdin Stream Campground and quickly reaches the summit of Katahdin. It features a beautiful waterfall 1.1 miles from the campground, quick access to the trail above treeline and tons of rock scrambling. The views are incredible the majority of the way up, and the rock scrambling is very fun.

Helon Taylor Trail – 4.3 miles base to summit

This is also another fantastic option up Mount Katahdin. This trail takes you from the ranger station to Pamola Peak, before joining with the Knife Edge. Hikers often take this route to do a large loop over to Hamlin Peak as well.

Dudley Trail – This trail is currently shut down due to unstable rock.

Hunt Trail Views on Mount Katahdin

Hamlin Peak

Hamlin Peak is the second highest mountain in Maine at 4,757 feet, and is often hiked in an 11.2 mile loop starting and ending at the Ranger Station of Baxter State Park.

Trail Map

What Does Katahdin Mean?

Katahdin was given its name by the Penobscot Indians, that lived in the area. It means “the greatest mountain”. When you first lay eyes on the mountain, you can understand why, as the peaks of Baxter State park rise rapidly from the surroundings.

Baxter State Park Camping

If you plan to stay in or around Baxter State park for more than a day, you have many options. Not only can you stay within the park at numerous campgrounds, but surrounding towns have places you can stay. Many offer shuttles into the park. You can find all of the information you need about camping within the park here: https://baxterstatepark.org/camp-summer/

Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail

Mount Katahdin is the most northern point of the Appalachian Trail, making it the final destination for many AT thru-hikers. During the summer months, you will frequently see finishes posing on the summit sigh marking the end of the incredible 2,190+ mile journey they just embarked on.

Directions

Here is the address of Baxter State Park.

Weather Forecast

Millinocket, ME

Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 15 to 33 mph.

Tonight
Rain showers likely after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind 16 to 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday
A slight chance of rain showers before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 9 to 17 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind 7 to 10 mph.

Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 7 to 14 mph.

Monday Night
A slight chance of rain showers after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Tuesday
A slight chance of rain showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. West wind 10 to 14 mph.

Want More Info on Hiking Katahdin?

Take a look at this valuable resource on each trail up Katahdin: https://baxterstatepark.org/general-info/

More Pictures

Waterfall on Hunt Trail

View of Katahding Peak from Knife Edge

View of Basin From Knife Edge

Looking Across Knife Edge

Views from Hunt Trail

View of Lakes from Hunt Trail

View of Katahdin Peak from Hunt

Pano from Hunt Trail

Lake Views from Hunt Trail

If you have any questions regarding this hike or anything else. Don’t hesitate to reach our via the Contact page. Please share this post!