Climbing Katahdin

Katahdin is a very strenuous climb. With an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet, regardless of which trail you take, it is for physically fit individuals. The roundtrip hike will take 8 to 12 hours. The Park is open for day use from 6 AM to 10 PM.

The Park limits the number of hikers to Katahdin to protect natural resources and preserve the wilderness experience. There is a reservation system for parking at Katahdin trailheads only. These reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis through the Baxter State Park website. Or you can take a chance by arriving early in hopes of finding a space. Summer months and weekends are busy and can be hard to book. Information on finishing the Appalachian Trail can be found here.

Katahdin Routes

Abol Trail

Moderate
The Abol Trail is a 4.4-mile moderate trail with rocky boulders and mostly forested terrain below treeline. The Abol Trail leaves from Abol Campground. Water sources are often unreliable on this trail, so bring lots of water! You'll want a camera as 2.5 miles of the trail is exposed with excellent views of the region.
Hunt Trail

Extreme
This 5.2 mile trail is the terminus of the Appalachian Trail and is a difficult climb. It starts at Katahdin Stream Campground and follows Katahdin Stream for the first mile. The trail starts out with forested terrain before reaching “The Gateway” and transitioning to a rocky, open ridgeline with incredible views. The Hunt Trail junctions with the Abol Trail at Thoreau Spring.
Note: Very strenuous hike.
Cathedral Trail

Extreme
Cathedral Trail, named for its three cathedral-like rock formations, starts at Chimney Pond and ends 1.6 miles later at its junction with the Saddle Trail just below Baxter Peak. This climb is a favorite for many hikers offering amazing views and challenging terrain. Scrambling and several long reaches are required. Cathedral is a very strenuous climb with a very steep incline and huge rocky terrain. It is suggested to only hike up this trail due to the steep incline and boulder terrain, which makes descending this trail very dangerous.
Note: This trail begins at Chimney Pond. You must first hike from Roaring Brook to Chimney Pond (3.3 miles) to get there.
Saddle Trail

Difficult
The Saddle Trail climbs up the middle of Katahdin, 2.2 miles from Chimney Pond to Baxter Peak. The beginning is forested, bouldery terrain. The trail then climbs onto its namesake rockslide and ascends steeply to the Tableland of Katahdin. Loose scree and rocks on the Saddle Slide require caution, especially when other hikers are above or below. The Saddle Trail is considered one of the easier trails but is still very strenuous.
Note: This trail begins at Chimney Pond. You must first hike from Roaring Brook to Chimney Pond (3.3 miles) to get there.
Dudley Trail

Difficult
The Dudley Trail spans two miles from Chimney Pond to Pamola Peak. Dudley is a very steep and long climb, but it offers a fantastic option to visit the Pamola Caves along the way. The Trail is very rocky and similar to the Cathedral Trail, with huge boulders and open views for most of the hike. It junctions with the Knife Edge Trail and Helon Taylor Trail atop Pamola Peak.
Notes: The Dudley Trail features “Index Rock” a giant pointed boulder that can be seen from different parts of Katahdin. This trail begins at Chimney Pond. You must first hike from Roaring Brook to Chimney Pond (3.3 miles) to get there.
Chimney Pond Trail

Moderate
The Chimney Pond Trail is the gateway to the east side of Katahdin. It starts at Roaring Brook Campground and extends for 3.3 miles to Chimney Pond Campground. It junctions with the Helon Taylor Trail at 0.2 miles, the Hamlin Ridge Trail (via North Basin Trail) at 3 miles, and the Catherdral, Dudley, and Saddle Trails at Chimney Pond. The trail is forested with a gradual to moderate incline, and is a moderate hike.
Helon Taylor Trail

Difficult
The Helon Taylor Trail ascends for 3.2 miles from its junction with the Chimney Pond Trail before reaching Pamola Peak. It is a very steep climb. The trail is forested at the bottom before climbing into open rocky terrain near Pamola Peak. It junctions with the Knife Edge and Dudley Trails at Pamola Peak.
Knife Edge Trail

Moderate
The famous Knife Edge Trail is one of Katahdin’s most popular and unique features. This trail follows a glacial arete for 1.1 miles from Baxter Peak to Pamola Peak. Similar to a knife blade, it is a very narrow trail with sharp rocky terrain and long drop-offs on both sides. It offers breathtaking views but should be approached with caution due to its extreme exposure to both heights and elements. This trail requires scrambling and some long reaches in several locations.
Note: Do not attempt this trail in bad weather.
Hamlin Ridge Trail

Difficult
The Hamlin Ridge Trail is a beautiful 1.7-mile hike leading from the North Basin Trail to Hamlin Peak. It offers incredible views of Baxter Peak, the Knife Edge, and the North Basin. It is an often overlooked hike because it does not summit Katahdin at Baxter Peak; however, the views are breathtaking. The hike is difficult as it is a steep climb through forest terrain onto an open, exposed ridgeline.

More Information

Our Favorite Route

Take this route for the best views and overall hiking experience. First, 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. (Note: the Knife Edge is jagged, has steep drop-offs on either side and is not recommended for anyone afraid of heights). From here, hike down via the Helon Taylor Trail, which will lead back to Roaring Brook Campground. This loop is traveled and loved by countless hikers who seek a challenge and appreciate the beautiful views from Maine’s tallest mountain!

Cathedral Trail > Baxter Peak (Summit) > Knife Edge > Helon Taylor

by Michael Clark and Jake Kowalski, Baxter Youth Conservation Fellows

Note- This route is challenging and involves many steep miles of trail and dangerous steep terrain (Knife Edge).

Cathedral Trail via Chimney Pond Trail

Baxter Peak - The summit of Katahdin

A view of Katahdin’s famous “Knife Edge” which is known for its knife-like shape formed from steep drop-offs on either side.

Helon Taylor Trail via crossing Knife Edge to complete loop back to Roaring Brook Trailhead

Resources

Parking

Many day-use hikers choose to reserve a parking space for their Katahdin hike. A Day Use Parking Reservation (DUPR) costs $5 and can be made on the Baxter State Park website. Space is limited and DUPRs often sell out quickly, especially for weekends. Maine residents may make a DUPR starting April 1 for anytime during the summer season Nonresidents may make a DUPR up to two weeks in advance. You must arrive at the gate by 7:00 AM, otherwise your reservation will be cancelled.

Those without a parking reservation may still be able to get a space. If a parking lot is not fully reserved, some first come-first served spaces may be available when the gate opens at 6:00 AM. At 7:05 AM any unused reserved spots will be released to those waiting at the gate.

What to Bring

There are many things you should bring with you on your Katahdin adventure. Katahdin hikes are very long and strenuous for anyone and should not be taken lightly. First make sure to bring plenty of water – at least 2 to 3 liters per person. The only trails with reliable water are the Hunt Trail (Katahdin Stream) and the Chimney Pond Trail (Chimney Pond). Also make sure to bring plenty of food and snacks for this day-long journey.

Make sure to have warm layers, rain gear, a first aid kit, signaling device, and a good map. Park rules require all hikers to carry a flashlight or headlamp.

Weather

Weather can change at any moment so be prepared and always bring rain gear. Always make sure to check the forecast and avoid bad weather if possible. Thunderstorms can be dangerous as they not only pose the threat of lighting but rain makes the trails very slippery. Also even during the summer months, once above the tree line, it can be very cold on Katahdin. So be prepared by packing warm clothes on windy or chilly days.

Leave no Trace

What you hike in, hike out. Any trash should not be left anywhere in Baxter State Park. When Hiking make sure to stay on the trails at all times and obey what the signs tell you while in the park.

Parking Reservations Here

About the Contributor

Jake Kowalski - Jake has been working with Friends of Baxter State Park for five years in the Baxter Youth Conservation Corps. He has worked not only in the park with trail building but now taking photos and videos and sharing knowledge on our website. Jake is currently studying Digital Media at Liberty University in Virginia and plans on working in the outdoor action sports field filming his passions such as skiing, hiking, and traveling.