Katahdin

Hiked on: July 7, 2005
(Danielle and Tim - Total Distance: 11 miles)

Tim and Danielle on Katahdin
Tim and Danielle on top of Katahdin
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After a long hike in the hot sun over Hamlin Peak and across the table land our little group made it to Baxter Peak on Katahdin. The air was very still and there was quite a crowd on the summit, not to mention swarms of bugs. We stayed on top for only about 10 minutes due to the crowds and bugs then retreated down the trail a bit to find a comfortable spot for lunch. While we rested many hikers passed us and we offered our encouragement for them to reach the top.
We all had a great and tiring day hiking Katahdin and made it safely back to camp at the end of the day.

The links below are pictures from our trip. Some were taken on Katahdin, while others were taken around Baxter State Park and our campsite. The links will open another window and can be viewed from beginning to end by clicking on Saddle Trail and navigating with the arrows to the end.

Saddle Trail | Summit | Campground | Moths & Moose | Rapids

Hiked on: July 6, 2000
(Danielle and Tim - Total Distance: 10 miles)

Danielle and Tim on Mt. Katahdin
Danielle and Tim on the summit of Mt. Katahdin
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Mt. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine and is the traditional ending point of the appalachain trail.  It is also located in Baxter State Park which is a 7 hour drive from Boston and a 1 hour drive from the middle of no-where.

The day we did the hike we were blessed with warm weather and clear skies.  However, since we were staying outside of the state park we needed to get up at 5:00 am so we could get a parking spot and be on the trail by 6:00 am.


Looking down at Chimney Pond from the summit

Chimney Pond
Chimney Pond (Katahdin summit on right)
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Even with the early start it still took us about 5 1/2 hours to reach the summit. About 3/4 of the way up the mountain we arrived at the Chimney Pond campground. This is one of the most beautiful spots in New England. The pond is surrounded on 3 sides by the sheer cliffs of Katahdin which were formed by a glacier thousands of years ago.

From the Chimney Pond campground Danielle and I headed up the Saddle Trail for our push to the summit. The first mile of this trail is rocky, but moderate, but once we hit the slide it was a climb straight up over lots of boulders and loose rocks.

Danielle on the Saddle Trail slide
Danielle on the Saddle Trail Slide
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View from the Saddle Trail slide
View from the Saddle Trail Slide
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Katahdin table land
Katahdin Table Land and Saddle Trail
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At the top of the slide we hit the table lands, which is a broad plateau that leads you to the summit. 

The summit of Katahdin is almost flat and is the focal point of a number of trails that lead you there. The most famous being the appalachain trail.


Katahdin Summit
Knife Edge
Knife Edge Trail
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Another noteworthy trail to the summit of Katahdin is the knife edge. This trail is 1 mile long and is a sheer drop on either side. We decided not to go across and instead headed back down the same way we went up.

Hiked on: September 4, 1994


Tim on Mt. Katahdin

On my first hike up Katahdin I didn't know what to expect. From the Chimney Pond campground I decided to take the Cathedral Trail to the summit, because it was the most direct route. I later found out that sometimes it's better to take the long way around!

The Cathedral Trail is very steep and goes over 3 rock outcroppings or "cathedrals." At one point I had to remove my backpack and throw it over my head onto a rock shelf before I could pull myself up. I was very glad to finally reach the peak. Needless to say, I took the Saddle Trail back to the car! 


Looking at Chimney Pond and one of the cathedrals from along the trail

 

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03/13/2005
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