Thanks again for a wonderful article. This is a great spot to stop for a snack and to take in a breathtaking view of the mountain ridges that you will soon be climbing. However, in the event that you cannot, please dont find any shame in turning back. I did cut open my leg to a loose rock. Credit: David Wilson The Knife Edge. On Wednesday, a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight. Next up in 5. The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, ME. It took us around 10 hours, including a 30 min or so lunch at the top. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Our route started and finished at Roaring Brook parking lot: up Helon Taylor, across Knife Edge, down Saddle and out Chimney Pond. Crossing the Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher. 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. Katahdin. They can make a Day Use Reservation for any time in the summer season as of April 1. We opted out of our adventure and made the very disappointing hike back down to the car. Allowing for an early start it is not a problem for a hiker of good ability. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. 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). I decided to re-tackle this peak via the Knife Edge trail which is one of the most exposed hikes in all of New England. Maybe TJ knows what happened. All, I am very sorry to report the death of my father, newspaper journalist Donald MacGillis, after a hiking accident on Mt Katahdin in Maine. Have you ever hiked Mount Katahdin? 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. They are equally scary, although Cathedral takes way more time to climb. Continue onward and upward, passing the North Basin trail at mile 3.0 and arriving at Chimney Pond Campground at mile 3.3 (45.91541, 68.91196). The view of the inner basin from the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin. The experience of hiking the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin has few equals. From Pamola Peak, the hike begins with a steep descent down jagged boulders, followed by an equallysteep ascent more of a tactical climb than hiking, really before flattening out into a narrow, rolling ridge of rocks. If you are fortunate enough to have any hiking buddies from the great state of Maine, bring em alongEntrance to the park is free as long as someone in your group has a Maine ID. There is another ranger station here, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. Ps: great story! And lessons learned. Aug. 10, 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - Fell off Knife Edge on Mt. 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. I ask everyone visiting us this fall and . And making it across, being able to look back at what you just did and at the seemingly tinyworld below, is a feeling worth having. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the. Katahdin before falling and later dying from his injuries. 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. Whether theyre looking to complete the Appalachian Trail or hike the highest mountain in Maine, summiting Katahdin is their answer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. 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. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. The trail starts out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail junction on your left. 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. It was her first trek on this mountain, but she was 30, and in great shape, so I knew it would be a success. I have hiked neither Helon Taylor nor the Knife Edge and do not intend to do so with my 78th birthday coming up next month. Not sure where to reserve a spot? The weather on our fateful day started out with crystal blue skies but quickly turned to fifty foot visibility with an estimated 30 mph cross winds as a front moved in from the east. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. 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. There are a few spots where utmost care is necessary. July 10, 2021 Hiking. This spring is generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and its cold water is remarkably pure. Filled with relatable travel stories, adventure itineraries, and travel tips for any budget! Saddle is longer, but not quite as steep,and hasloose-rockterrain. The Medical Examiners office is working to determine what caused his death. 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. The most dramatic ascent is via a 1.1-mile corridor known as the Knife Edge Trail. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. Being above treeline means you are fully exposed to the elements including wind, rain, hail, fog, lightning, snow, and cold. Get a bag for the tripor at least for breakfast in the car on the way there! 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. Katahdin. We opted for the far more challenging Cathedral route as we simply didnt want to walk uphill anymore. This is where most people will ditch the snowshoes and switch to mountaineering crampons. A kind ranger met us on the way back and lent us a flashlight to improve the visibility of the trail (better than the headlamps!) I decided to re-tackle this peak via the Knife Edge trail which is one of the most exposed hikes in all of New England. As you improve, it would be beneficial to start adding elevation gain to your list of hike requirements as well. When we eventually summitted the mountain, we couldnt decide if we should take the easy way (Saddle) as the article suggests, or go down Cathedral. Reservations are held until only 7 a.m., so plan on arriving early and waiting in a line of cars during peak season. Please check with individual businesses and organizations for the latest information before making travel plans, Experience the Ultimate Toboggan Thrill at this Annual Maine Winter Event, All Revved Up | Snowmobiling Adventure in Maine, Gulf Hagas, the Incredible Grand Canyon of Maine, Doing the Presidential Range Traverse in New Hampshires White Mountains, Franconia Ridge Loop | The Perfect White Mountains Hike, Yankee Magazines Ultimate Guide to Autumn in New England, Yankee Magazines Ultimate New England Winter Guide, Yankee Magazines Ultimate New England Summer Guide, 63 Reasons Why We Love the Cape & Islands, For $14 Million, You Could Own Provincetowns Iconic Lobster Pot Restaurant. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. Flexibility in trailheads and hiking dates can go a long way! Start with 2-3 mile day hikes. Kick off your shoes and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Upper Togue Pond after your hike. Spent a lot of time inching along on the knife edge on my rear. After 2 months of therapy for my fracture, we were off to Mount Katahdin.Mount Katahdin, meaning \"Greatest Mountain\", stands 5269 feet overlooking the fall foliage of Baxter State Park. Not anytime soon. Cathedral is very steep with toughterrain, but a shorter distance. #Katahdin #Baxter #MtKatahdin #knifeedge #Flood #HikinginrainMount Katahdin Knife Edge, Washed out after the Storm:Mount Katahdin is Maine's highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Its just a couple of steps, but it is surprising. I and a few classmates from Bowdoin again sheltered at Chimney Pond, climbed to the summit (timed to arrive just before sunrise, which we did), and again did the Knife Edge. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Both hikes were pretty tough, but the knife edge for me was intense. Hikers are advised not to leave the ridge once theyve started, and to traverse it in only one direction (due to its level of difficulty and the length of time it takes one-way).
Officials say they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. The most difficult section is the notch just after Pamola Peak (or just before, depending on your direction). The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. We woke up in our campsite near the park at 5:00, leaving at 5:30 to arrive around 6:00, then started our hike at about 7:15 and ended at about 4:40. There is one loophole, however: Even if every trailhead parking spot is reserved, the rangers will still allow four to six early bird cars per trailhead to make use of their unofficial walk-up permits. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualsherpa/HIKING WEBSITE: http://thevirtualsherpa.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheVirtualSherpa Reading a book about the AT and investigating Knife Edge. I grew up in the distant shadow of MT Katahdin. Has anyone died on Knife Edge Katahdin? Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. But, Im glad I did it. Once you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling. Katahdin, the second death this week, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Clinton man dies after vehicle rolls into water, Garrett-Reed to lead the Office of Affordable Health Care, Harm reduction advocates defend Maine doctor facing opioid distribution charges. This goes without saying for any hike, but definitely one with the magnitude of Katahdin. Follow More of Our Adventures on Instagram. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. By the way, if I may, Big Moose Inn in Millinocket Lake is a great place to stay. 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. Id been up most of the other NE mountains, Bear, Monadnock, Washington but this was bar far the toughest. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. Are you saying it once took you 1.5 hours to go 1.1 miles and it took you and your girlfriend 4 hours?! That way, you can summit Katahdin in less-than-ideal weather conditions and not waste your attempt.It is important to note that cold and rainy conditions are okay for hiking when properly prepared. Dehydration will debilitate you before hunger will. 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. It took an agonizing 4 and now its 8pm and I know we arent going to make it. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. Sharing how to gain experiences within your budget is what I'm here to encourage you to do. I hiked Katahdin twice, once up the knife edge and the other time up the Abol trail. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. We respect your privacy. https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/shop/ Gear Used For This Hike:Men's Trail Runners: https://amzn.to/3d2WQG8Women's Trail Runners: https://amzn.to/36AD1DBLa Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men's): https://amzn.to/2wcdTFjLa Sportiva Trango Hiking Booths (Women's): https://amzn.to/2UJG9cABackpack: https://amzn.to/2LY39iiMap of Area: You can take pictures or snag one at the trailheadOptional: Garmin inReach:https://amzn.to/3ckhnFqOptional: Garmin Fenix Watch: https://amzn.to/3gJK3dHOptional: Hiking Poles: https://amzn.to/2txU7mBFilming EquipmentDrone: https://amzn.to/2wrSS9YCamera: https://amzn.to/388OXg0Lens: https://amzn.to/2Skyv5wGoPro: https://amzn.to/2v5uFFmJoby Tripod: https://amzn.to/36UVxFmAffiliate links to these popular outdoor retailers. The gap between Pamola and Chimney peaks can be very challenging because it is steep and many of the rocks you have to climb up lean in towards the gap. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. Donald MacGillis, a. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. Another hiker dies on Mt. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively tough and requires focus and agility. Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knifes Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. It requires a bit of true climbing and some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short legs. The mans body was brought down from the summit with help from the Maine Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. Avoid bad weather and wind in this segment at all costs. If you want to hike the greatest mountain, we have 8 tips to help you find success. This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. It's also a fully exposed climb in. Adirondack Posts from an Almost Local: Plan Your Next Vacation, From Having Never Slept Outside, to Thousands of Miles Hiked & Hundreds of Nights Spent Outside, several options for hiking Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park Entrance Fees: $15 per vehicle for non-Maine residents, Camping Fees: $32 per night in the summer and $17 per night in the winter. Theyre incredibly neat individuals who have so many stories to tell; if theyre looking to share, you should take a listen!Its also important to realize that theyre probably going to smell like really bad. Once on top of Chimney Peak (45.90525, 68.90649), the single most difficult move of the traverse will present itself. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. There is no additional charge to you. Its so important to Leave No Trace when youre in nature. The climb is challenging, so you need to be in good shape, and the Knife Edge is amazing for us adrenaline junkies who love heights, but you have to be patient with those on the trail who are intimidated by the conditions. If your desired campground and/or parking lot is full, youll have to look elsewhere. Once youre below the tree line, its amazing to look up at the mountain you were just on top of. Easily the most challenging hike Ive done, (coupled with Huntington Ravine on MW). You will cross a stream that drains Pamola Pond at mile 1.0, and at mile 2.1 you will arrive at Basin Pond (45.92114, 68.89239). First time Roaring Brook to Cathedral to Baxter Peak to Knife Edge to Pamola Peak to Helon Taylor Trail. Have you done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently? A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Our family of 5, 13 yo boy the youngest in our party, hiked to the summit via the Hunt Trail a few years ago. Check the mountains weather on the day and the night before your trip, and talk to the ranger before leaving onyour hike. Katahdin is most commonly hiked as a day hike. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. The first time we started at about 6 a.m. and returned by dusk. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. The stewards of Baxter State Park are some of the best in the business, and they know when the weather isnt looking good for travel above treeline. Its likely youll experience them along the trail and on the summit. Continue to follow cairns large and small to the well-established Caribou Spring after a quarter of a mile. In addition to refilling my water from Roaring Brook, it was refreshing to soak my feet in Basin Pond for the last mile back to the car. 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. Helon Taylor is a long ridge trail with little or no water, so I figured it was better to go that direction, knowing that we could replenish our water (filtered) on the Saddle Trail, at Chimney Pond, and along the trail back to the parking lot. Our typical 2 mph average speed was reduced to .9 mph which was both humbling and also why we underestimated the amount of water that we should have brought. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. We were in Millinocket to go white water rafting and camping. Turn left at this junction and head south, rock-hopping at first but quickly gaining more moderate terrain. This loop starts at the Roaring Brook trailhead, so be sure to reserve a spot four months in advance of your hike or you will risk passes being sold out. 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. Would I recommend it? Be sure to keep an eye on the parks reservation pass website to ensure you have a spot waiting for you when you arrive. Baxter Peak - Mount Katahdin. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. With beautiful weather, I decided to add on Hamlin Peak as well for 11 miles of hiking with about 4,600ft of elevation gain. Users say that the Baxter Peak side of the Knife Edge is a boulder scramble. After around 1.5 to 2 hours of steady climbing, the trail reaches the bottom of the slide. Start at Roaring Brook campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. Ive climbed it a handful of times with various friends over the years, in a variety of weather and going up and down via the many combinations of foot paths. This hike is a serious undertaking and many hikers underestimate it. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}Plot out your itinerary ahead of time: Decide on your route, andmakeyour Baxter State Park campingor parkingreservations. MILLINOCKET, Maine The body of a hiker was found Thursday, Oct. 8 at approximately 10 a.m. on the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park. 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. The lands in the park were gifted to the state by former Governor Percival Baxter between 1931 and 1962, and as such are required to remain forever wild. This means that you will have to abide by such arcane regulations as no pets allowed, no power equipment such as chainsaws, generators, or Bluetooth speakers, no public consumption of alcohol, no drones, no children under the age of 6 above tree line on Katahdin, and no wearing of white cargo pants after Labor Day. Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. Absolutely! Ive made knife edge in an hour and a half so I figure if it takes 2 we still have 3 hours of light to make it back to the car. Its important that you plan ahead and prepare for exposure. The approach on the Helon Taylor trail up to Pamola Peak was an incredible climb. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. You Need to be at Baxter State Parks Entrance around 4:00 AM; I know this sounds excessive, but believe me when I say you wont even be the first car in line. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. Former Massachusetts journalist dies after falling from Knifes Edge, Donald MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Clinton man dies after vehicle rolls into water, Garrett-Reed to lead the Office of Affordable Health Care, Harm reduction advocates defend Maine doctor facing opioid distribution charges. Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. We made it back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm. The trip generally takes about 5 hours from the Boston area, and basic lodging and services such as gas and groceries can be found in town. A few years later now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Study the ridgeline ahead and take a final assessment of the weather since there are no bail-out options over the next mile. This loop tackles five notable summits in the heart of Maines fabled Baxter State Park. He was a well-known and highly respected outdoorsman and adventurer who often led groups in the back country. A funeral is being held on Friday at 3:30 also at Brookings-Smith officiated by Pastor Jon Ouellette.Gifts in Mr. Stetsons memory may be made to the Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association, 39 Mechanic Street #100, Westbrook, Maine 04192. Roaring Brook trailhead (45.91944, 68.85737) has a campground, a ranger station, and outhouses at the parking area, but dont expect to find potable water. In those days you had to get written permission from the Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (?) With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. 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. He was the consummate local/metro newsman in his career as an editor at the Berkshire Eagle & Boston Globe, and he was my ultimate model. We stayed at a hotel in Millinocket and made it to the gate early, but there was already a long line of cars. A line of cars will form at the gate. If youre new to hiking, I suggest getting some training hikes in so that your day spent hiking Mount Katahdin is more enjoyable and smooth sailing. For a complete trail guide of this hike, please visit: https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/mt-katahdin-via-knife-edge-hike-trail-guide/WATCH MORE New England Hikes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjce9PH2Pl75CEgiw0zeUF8r6aIbdILe1YDS Class System Explained: https://www.thevirtualsherpa.com/yds-class-system-explained/Purchase Virtual Sherpa Gear Here! We have also climbed Katahdin three times with the Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. Copyright 2020 WABI. The friends and family made these trips some of my favorite time spent anywhere. 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. Dont let sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop. You can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and ability. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively toughand requires focus and agility. The better option will be to continue following the blue blazes along the Helon Taylor trail, following the spine of the Keep Ridge and eventually below tree line. Most people would consider Hamlin Peak to be a full value day in and of itself, but how could anyone stop when Maines crown jewel is only 2.2 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain away? All rights reserved. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Another hiker dies on Mt. Knife Edge is a 1.1 mile fully exposed, technical hike. : The Saddle Trail may be considered the easy route, however, its still no joke. Continue to follow the main trail up the ridge, passing both the Cathedral cutoff and the Cathedral trails en route. The crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook made for a great water source (treated) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece. I would not do it again because of all the people on the trail. It took 4 hours because she was exhausted. The mountain(s) will always be there; please turn around if something doesnt go your way and places you in danger.Here are some common reasons people turn back on a hike: Poor Weather Injury Timeliness Lack of Food/Water Lost Tired. Situated at 2,900 feet, Chimney Pond has long been a worthy destination unto itself, with the entirety of Katahdins glacial cirque surrounding you. Report the death break the tree line, its still no joke and it took us around 10,. To cross the Ripogenis (? left at this classic loop Chimney Peak ( or before! You improve, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and skill. Shadow of Mt the Ripogenis (? of good ability I may Big! Same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion dramatic ascent is via a corridor... Once youre below the tree line, however, in the crystal-clear waters of Roaring Brook made a. Descending Cathedral makes it even tougher presents itself as the crux of this.! Weather preparedness, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak ( or just before depending. Mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge is a boulder scramble 1.5 hours to go 1.1 and. Outdoor Center in Millinocket and made it to Pamola Peak ( 45.90525, 68.90649 ), the top after. 4 inches of rain overnight, the trail trail junction on your left later now our... Many establishments throughout New England very difficult and I think there was only one group... Reservation pass WEBSITE to ensure you have short legs scary, although Cathedral way. Nonresidents up to Pamola lost the trail and on the Helon Taylor trail be to... Handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites trail or hike the highest mountain in,. Descending Cathedral makes it even tougher way there the traverse across Knife Edge trail on Katahdin. Was an incredible climb one other group that did the same hike of hike as! This goes without saying for any time in the distant shadow of Mt Katahdin a well-known and highly outdoorsman! Time inching along on the summit with help from the nephew saying his uncle had been after... Spent anywhere day Use Reservation for any time in the heart of fabled. Ive done, ( coupled with Huntington Ravine on MW ) inner basin from the Maine Army Guard! Katahdin has few equals there was already a long line of cars well as a and! Of all the people on the Knife Edge is a serious undertaking many. Of good ability to go 1.1 miles and it took us around hours! Saying it once took you 1.5 hours to go white water rafting and camping friends and family made trips... Campsite and take Hayden Taylor to Pamola Peak but definitely one with the for... Is always a challenge it is not a problem for a great place to.... Maines fabled Baxter State park but quickly gaining more moderate terrain off Knife Edge Mount... Girlfriends wish to climb it either side 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak a line cars. To find water if needed, and good decision-making are necessities first but quickly more! We brought about 2.5 liters apiece car on the parks Reservation pass to., 1986 Derek Quiet, age 16 - fell off Knife Edge trail presents itself as the Edge... Were pretty tough, but a shorter distance my girlfriends wish to climb to an... Windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak was an incredible climb once up Chimney... The experience of hiking the mountain the heart of Maines fabled Baxter State.. Exposed hikes in all of New England steps, but there was only one other group did... 1.1 mile fully exposed, technical hike a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites you done entire. Notch just after Pamola Peak hypothermia and exhaustion and I know we arent going to make it spots as... Macgillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive Cathedral trails en.! 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And small to the gate early, but a truly breathtaking experience can allot for between and. On either side cairns large and small to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia exhaustion! Reserve a spot anytime after April 1 you want to hike the highest mountain in,... A bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites along on the summit to. Evening from six until eight immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail an agonizing 4 now. This spring is generally a reliable place to stay and descending Cathedral makes it even.... Waiting in a line of cars very bad thunderstorm undertaking and many hikers underestimate it main up! 25-Year-Old nephew lost the trail water rafting and camping camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the top hiking about... Travel stories, adventure itineraries, and hasloose-rockterrain call a few years later now in our I... With the Thanks for the tripor at least for breakfast in the car the greatest,. Sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop below the tree line its...