Is Baxter Peak the top of Katahdin?

Our Favorite Route First, leave from the Roaring Brook parking area and hike into Chimney Pond. From here, climb up the Cathedral Trail to the summit of Katahdin, Baxter Peak. After enjoying the tallest point in Maine, hike across the famous Knife Edge to Pamola Peak.



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The peak has several ways to access its summit which is also the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail but the trail that gets the most attention is the Knife Edge. This mile long trail offers hikers class 3 and class 2 ridge scrambling with spots of moderate exposure on the northern side of the mountain.

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Katahdin is Maine's tallest peak — and one of the hardest. But the state has plenty of others that are fun and easier on the feet and nerves. For an even greater challenge, try Maine's many rock-climbing routes, which range from granite walls over the Atlantic to hidden granite stashes elsewhere in the state.

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Katahdin is like panning for gold in a swimming pool. The Abol Trail, the most direct route to Katahdin's Baxter Peak from a roadside trailhead, is often presumed the “best bet” by novice hikers. That's a losing bet. Consider this: the Abol Trail gains 3,982 feet in elevation over the shortest route.

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Katahdin was by far one of the most challenging hikes we've done due to the amount of rock scrambling and the sheer elevation gain on the trail. But also the most rewarding! Round trip, the hike took us somewhere between 11-12 hours (including multiple stops for lunch, snacks, etc).

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Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively tough and requires focus and agility. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities.

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Re: Hiking Katahdin with children Agreed Saddle Trail is the easiest on the mountain. Abol is shorter but MUCH steeper. Honestly I'd keep small kids off of the Knife Edge.

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According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Baxter State Park is Mount Katahdin via Hunt Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 727 reviews.

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In general, ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.

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The Knife edge isn't real difficult, but there is some rock scrambling to do here and there. Only do it if the weather is perfict, there are some narrow sections with 1000 foot drop offs on either side. It is best done as a loop from the Chimeny pond side, otherwise, you'll have to do it twice. Once over and then back.

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Hiking Katahdin requires an elevation gain of around 4,000 ft. This is a very strenuous climb, no matter which trailhead you choose. The average round trip time for a Katahdin hike is 8-12 hours. The park is open for day use from 6:00am to 10:00pm.

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