Connecting the Helon Taylor Trail to the Knife Edge Trail, Pamola Peakis a great spot fortaking a break on a nice day. Four of us drove there and spent a few days camping at a lean-to shelter at Chimney Pond. We decided to shorter route which was very rocky. Start with 2-3 mile day hikes. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to. The boulder hopping on the Knife Edge can be daunting for someone who doesnt have good balance, and thats why it often takes so long to complete. Realizing later I should have returned by saddle trail and chimney pond I decide the shortest way is the original plan across knife edge, except my girlfriend isnt going to be up to it. If youre forced to take your chances on a first come first serve parking space, you need to be prepared to wake up early. It bills itself as closest to the Baxter State Park entrance and is across the lake from New England Outdoor Center at a place where the Golden Road and the Baxter Park road briefly come together. This is why we suggest saving Knife Edge for your return hike! Author: Bill Green (NEWS CENTER Maine) Published: 2/20/2017 9:05:02 PM Updated: 7:01 PM EST February 21, 2017 (NEWS CENTER) The outdoor world was shocked to learn of the death of John Stetson, 68 of . 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. 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. 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. Time to Complete: 10 to 12 hours for most Filled with relatable travel stories, adventure itineraries, and travel tips for any budget! Chimney Peak is the small sharp peak adjacent to Pamola, separated by a narrow gap or "chimney". 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. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. Yes, I climbed Katahdin twice. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively toughand requires focus and agility. If your desired campground and/or parking lot is full, youll have to look elsewhere. 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). Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. . With a breakfast and sixteen hrs of sleep a more serious situation had been avoided with a story told many times. And lessons learned. The higher you climb, the more exposed you are. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a full days work! Although only 1.1 miles in length with an elevation gain of 365 feet, the Knife Edge Trail is a very technical hikein fully exposed conditions. Tell us about it! Hands down, one of my favorite places on the planet. Maine snow totals: A town-by-town look at Tuesday's storm. As these become easier and you learn more about the great outdoors, start to increase the distance of your hike and the weight of your pack.
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. More Videos. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. He is survived by Alanna, his wife of forty years, their four children and five grandchildren. Officials say they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. Proper equipment, weather preparedness, and good decision-making are necessities. I made seven more trips over the next 5 or 6 years and Summited 5 times including two trips across knifes edge. !! Bridges along the Chimney Pond Trail take hikers across Roaring Brook. Dont let sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}we are the only ones on the mountain everyone having left to make it down before dark. To get there, youll take Interstate 95 to exit 244, then wind your way west on route 157 through the logging communities of Medway and East Millinocket until you reach Maines biggest small town. He was well-known and well-liked in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park.
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, Copyright 2023 | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Glad I did it. Shes now exhausted. There are several options for hiking Mount Katahdin.The Easiest, 10.4 Mi. 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!) (Wife wasnt so happy with that hike, either!). Sign in at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank of the river. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. Check the mountains weather on the day and the night before your trip, and talk to the ranger before leaving onyour hike. Another hiker dies on Mt. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park.Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin.He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions.They got in touch with authorities who told them to shelter in place until daylight.Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall.At first light, rangers were able to get to the two men. We got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e. This loop tackles five notable summits in the heart of Maines fabled Baxter State Park. Hopefully, youre able to complete the hike youve set out to do! Without a doubt, traversing the Knife Edge was one of the most mentally and physically intense experience of my life. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. There were so many clouds we could not see anything. Carrying a variety of these in your pack should guarantee you have the energy to tackle Mount Katahdin. Its likely youll experience them along the trail and on the summit. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. The first view up Katahdin is at around 2.4 miles, but the "peak" that is visible is actually just where the slide turns into the "Tableland" plateau. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. Ive watched peoples videos of crossing Knife Edge and none equal the experience of being there. 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. Absolutely! We climbed to the summit and navigated the Knife Edge. Research which trail youd like to hike and try and reserve a campsite or parking spot where that trail begins.Its important to have a backup plan. This is a fun class 2 scramble with a section of class 3 hiking. Once you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. We stayed at a hotel in Millinocket and made it to the gate early, but there was already a long line of cars. Mount Katahdin is 5,269 tall which means youre above treeline for a lot of the hike. As you approach the peak, the difficulty kicks up to third-class scrambling, eventually culminating with a few semi-exposed moves that could spell disaster for a less sure-footed climber. Cathryn McCann. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. You can also hike this same loop in reverse! I did cut open my leg to a loose rock. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. In those days you had to get written permission from the Great Northern Paper Co. to cross the Ripogenis (?) 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. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. From Pamola peak to Baxter Peak (the Knife edge plus the somewhat broader ridge betweeen Baxter peak and South peak) is about a mile, with 2000' of gain on the approach from Chimney Pond. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. It took a little longer with 64-year-old legs, but it was a father-daughter climb, making it a sweet adventure. July 10, 2021 Hiking. 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. At first light, rangers were able to get to the two men. She outpaced me all the way. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionallynarrow at times. Its possible to descendto the Chimney Pond Trail and Roaring Brook Campground via either the Saddle Trail or Cathedral Trail. I would not do it again because of all the people on the trail. Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. The crystal clear waters of Roaring Brook made for a great water source (treated) and we brought about 2.5 liters apiece. Katahdin stands at 5,269 feet tall. The experience of hiking the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin has few equals. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. This spring is generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and its cold water is remarkably pure. 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. American Airlines flight slides off runway at . 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. The cleft off of Pamola is no joke, going down or up out of it. There is no additional charge to you. Subscribe below for full access to a library of free Travel Itineraries. He appreciated the pep talk, and, when we caught up at the summit, I told him I was very proud of him, and said he was now a member of a very exclusive club of Knife Edge adventurershe made the cut.. Advertisement He. Hiking Mount Katahdin is the final push for North Bound Appalachian Trail Thruhikers. Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. They are equally scary, although Cathedral takes way more time to climb. ckfo.shtml Jun 29, 2004 #4 Our family of 5, 13 yo boy the youngest in our party, hiked to the summit via the Hunt Trail a few years ago. Distance: 11.8 miles, round-trip Luckily a last minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin. You will pass by cascading brooks, alpine lakes, spectacular panoramic views, and miles of scrambly travel above tree-line. From Maine to Georgia and beyond, Katahdin has been one of the Northeasts premier hiking destinations ever since the Appalachian Trail was completed in 1937. Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knife's Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, ME. Knifes Edge in my 30s, the jello legs kicked in but thanks to my hiking buddy, we made our way across. has these chocolate cake doughnuts in a bag that are just killer! 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. He had a tremendous respect for life, and he had a sense of natural strength, intelligence, and warmth that was infectious.. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdin's South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). The Shortest, 7.3 Mi. The Knife Edge Trail is very rugged in places - the Chimney is almost a technical climb. First 3 with a friend my hiking equal or more and at around 30 yrs old not hard, but challenging. I hiked on Monday 8/5/19 with my best friends Will and Pete. The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. Keep in mind that the shortest trail isnt necessarily the easiest. All Rights Reserved. Most of the edges are very steep but not sheer. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. Another hiker dies on Mt. A line of cars will form at the gate. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. 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. You can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and ability. water filter we could have been in fairly serious trouble. Its important that you plan ahead and prepare for exposure. The parking lot will be closed and locked and the ranger is going to see our car and realize we are not back. It is possible to hike in the opposite direction; although the chimney at Pamola Peak seemed like it wouldve been very difficult from the opposite direction, there was a mother-son duo that were doing just that as we arrived. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. Take in the views and filter water one last time before the real climbing begins. 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. Some of the more popular include: Budget Hotels in the nearby town of Millinocket, 20 miles from Baxter State Park: There are no dogs allowed in Baxter State Park. Donald MacGillis, a. 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). A few years later now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it. I climbed Katahdin a few times, but September 2018 was the best. The second time was at the end of our summer college vacation, in 1952. Also, hiking in Baxter is very different than say, the White Mountains as everything seems to take much longer than one would think. And once you reach the Chimney Pond Trail, the hiking eases up considerably, with flatter terrain and lovelybridges. 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. Sharing how to gain experiences within your budget is what I'm here to encourage you to do. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. I climbed Mt Katadin back in 68 or69 with my CT Girlscout troop. Staying at one of the campgrounds in Baxter State Park will get you closest to the trails on the day of your hike. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! This airy perch offers an equally stunning view of the surrounding terrain and immeasurably more solitude. According to the Brookings-Smith website, Mr. Stetson always lived his life in his own genuine way. We opted out of our adventure and made the very disappointing hike back down to the car. 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. The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. When the Rangers open the gate at 6 AM, they will instruct all cars waiting for Katahdin First Come First Serve parking spots to pull over to the side. You still need to gain thousands of feet in elevation, however, youre able to do so in more mileage. Katahdin, the second death this week . Knifes Edge in my 20sno problem. Would I recommend it? If needed, the Saddle trail descends 0.9 miles down steep and loose gravel to Chimney Pond, and 3.3 miles back to the original trailhead. Copyright 2020 WABI. All publicly accessible roads in theparkareopen during this time. Much of the Mount Katahdin hike is in maximum exposureand the weather can change quickly, so be sure to have at least twoquarts of water, a working flashlight, durable hiking boots, rain gear and extra clothing, a detailed map, high-energy foods, and first-aid supplies. Will I ever do it again? 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. Follow More of Our Adventures on Instagram. Thanks again for a wonderful article. I did not climb it until I was 45 years old. This ridgeline is as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side in some places. It is also the usual starting point for a traverse of the Knife Edge. 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. You should always have your rain gear, an additional warm outer layer, and accessories, such as a hat and gloves. I had done knife edge twice both ways in a single previous hike. Had it not been for a trickle of water on the Saddle Trail descent and our ever present Sawyer The first time started the day after I graduated from Saugus High School (MA) in 1950. Credit: David Wilson The Knife Edge. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Both the hike and the drive home will take longer than you expect, so consider booking a campsite or a room back in town to rest up and refuel after a long day. 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. The route eventually drops below treeline and crosses a small brook, and after 3.2 miles you will rejoin the Chimney Pond trail and arrive at Roaring Brook campground soon thereafter. Ps: great story! a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital.
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