Hike Mount Katahdin Knife Edge via Cathedral Trail Loop Baxter State Park, ME

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Sep 15, 2014 — After a long drive up to Baxter State Park, I settled in for the night in my designated campground. I had reserved a permit through their website, even for my simple day trips. A bit annoying, but I suppose it helps limit the crowds and trailheads. There are many trails that lead up Katahdin, the Hunt Trail being most popular since it marks the terminus of the Appalachian Trail and ascends a much more tame slope. I wanted to maximize the scrambling for the day, which I determined would mean a combination of the Cathedral Trail and the famous Katahdin Knife Edge. Katahdin is not a single peak, but rather a collection of several, with Baxter Peak being the tallest, but generally people just call it "Katahdin".

My hike began from the Roaring Brook Campground, where I took the Chimney Pond Trail as it gradually ascended to Chimney Pond. The forest was beautiful and I enjoyed the morning mists along the way, hoping the weather would clear up. The standard route to Mount Katahdin from Chimney Pond continues along the Saddle Trail, which ascends to the saddle of Baxter and Hamlin Peaks. The Cathedral Trail offers a fun ascent, climbing steeply from Chimney Pond to the summit ridge. Despite the tons of boulder-hopping forcing this route into Class 3 terrain, the trail was blazed heavily and is easy to follow. The “cathedrals” for which the Cathedral Trail is named refer to large rock formations along the trail.

After reaching the summit ridge well above treeline I made my way up to Baxter Peak. Now for the most exciting part of the day, the Knife Edge. This feature stretches northeast from Baxter Peak to Pamola Peak, a minor summit along the Katahdin ridgeline. The route begins with a gradual descent punctuated by small ups and downs, steep cliffs on either side. I found I was able to just walk across the Knife Edge since the crest was so broad, though certain sections were more narrow and exposed. The rock was surprisingly solid, so any exposed sections felt somewhat safer. After a final steep scramble up to Pamola Peak, the trail became more typical northeastern hiking terrain. I followed the Helon Taylor Trail east along the ridgeline and ultimately back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Katahdin

5268 ft

4288 rise

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Looking up at Mount Katahdin from Chimney Pond

Cathedral #1 (of 3 Cathedrals) rock scramble from the foot of the mountain

Looking down at Chimney Pond from the start of the Cathedral Trail

The cliff face of Mt. Katahdin while on the Cathedral Trail.

A matter of seconds before and after the fog hit

Otherworldly landscape as the mist rolled over toward the summit.

Knife Edge Trail from Baxter Peak

Looking down at Chimney Pond from Baxter Peak

Heading down on the Helon Taylor trail, almost 360 degree view the whole way down.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!