Cathedral Trail is the toughest choice while the Saddle Trail is the least difficult but also the most roundabout. Baxter State Park rangers won't waver from their assertion that most approaches are a ten-hour hike, which is in part a CYA stance.
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Our Favorite RouteFirst, 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.
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.
Aside from having to be conscious of the many rocks in the trail, the last mile is relatively easy. Unlike mountains with false summits, Katahdin's Baxter Peak has a tendency to sneak-up on hikers.
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.
Tumbledown Ridge Trail transverses towards the East Peak and descends a saddle until it climbs to the summit of West Peak. The Loop Trail is the most difficult and recommended for experienced hikers as it's very steep in sections, and you'll need to climb up metal rungs through boulders to reach the summit.
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).
Our Favorite RouteFirst, 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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