On Labour day weekend, Laura and I traveled to Baxter State Park to hike KATAHDIN. We were always opposed to doing this hike as pets are not allowed and little Kasper hikes everywhere with us. Baxter is a really unique park as it was a gift to the people of Maine and has more than 200,000 acres, encompassing its own mountain range. Baxter State Park is tightly controlled and the amount of people allowed to enter each day is regulated. Come early if you desire to climb the mountain (even 6AM is at some times too late!) or camp in one of the campgrounds at Katahdin’s base. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine and the northern boundary of the Appalachian Trail. There are 5 main peaks on the horseshoe, counterclockwise from the north they go: Howe Peak, Hamlin Peak, Baxter Peak (summit), South Peak and Pamola Peak. The most dominant and intimidating feature on Katahdin is the Knife Edge.
We arrived on Thursday night and stayed at the bunkhouse at the Roaring Brook Campground. We basically touched down at dark and pretty much went straight to bed in our shared bunkhouse with 4 others. We got an early start and ventured on the Helon Taylor trail to Pamola Peak. From there we trekked across “The Knife’s Edge” towards the summit of Katahdin know as Baxter Peak. “The Knife’s Edge” is the most famous hike to the summit, which traverses the ridge between Pamola Peak and Baxter Peak. For almost 1/2 a mile … the trail is 3 feet wide, with a drop off on either side. Our decent consisted of the Saddle Trail to the Chimney Pond Trail and back to our start point.
Corey's Adventure Journal (hiking & backpacking) 