Hiking Mount Katahdin – Knife Edge Trail, Hunt Trail and Abol Trail (Video Included)

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).

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Trails | Trail Map | Directions | Current Weather | Pictures

Elevation: 5,269 feet (1,606 meters)
Elevation Gain: Around 3,900 feet (1189 meters) depending on the trail.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 8.6 miles (14.84 km)
Duration: 5-10 hours

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

 

Need To Know Information

• Hiking Katahdin requires hikers to either stay at a Baxter State Park Campground, or purchase a parking permit ahead of time. There are first come first serve parking spots, but it is not recommended to rely on this in busy seasons. Out of state residents can’t reserve a spot more than two weeks out from the trip. You can read the information here: https://baxterstatepark.org/general-info/#reserve
• No dogs are allowed in Baxter State Park
• A special reservation is required for traveling above treeline in winter. You can read about this here: https://baxterstatepark.org/winter-basics/

 

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

 

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.

 

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

Overnight
Mostly clear, with a low around 6. Wind chill values as low as -20. Northwest wind 38 to 46 mph, with gusts as high as 58 mph.

Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -12. West wind 9 to 36 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday Night
Snow after 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 19. South wind 15 to 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday
Snow and sleet and freezing rain before 2pm, then rain between 2pm and 3pm, then rain and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Southwest wind 24 to 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible. Little or no ice accumulation expected.

Saturday Night
Rain likely and patchy fog before 10pm, then a chance of snow and patchy fog between 10pm and 2am, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. West wind 22 to 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

Sunday
A slight chance of snow showers before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 15. Northwest wind 28 to 43 mph, with gusts as high as 54 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 7. West wind 24 to 37 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

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