2019 Katahdin Trip

Note: The hikes to Katahdin's summit and across the Knife Edge are some of the more challenging ones in the northeast. We will screen all registrants to understand what they have done to prepare for this adventure.

We will have two hikes: one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Friday is for getting to Baxter State Park and setting up camp. Monday we will leave Baxter and enjoy our traditional celebratory breakfast at the Appalachian Trail Cafe before saying our goodbyes and heading home.

There may be two options (and two groups) climbing Katahdin, depending on interest and number of particpants. One may follow the Abol trail to the summit and the other may follow Cathedral Trail. We will all attempt to cross the Knife Edge, a mile-long arête with 2000' drops to either side. Weather conditions and other factors will determine the route. This hike will be done on Saturday unless there is a promise of better weather on Sunday.

Sunday we will hike out of the park along the Blueberry Ledges trail. This would be a good opportunity to bring/wear a swimsuit. The ledges are in the water and provide fun chutes to slide down. Nearby are large patches of blueberries that often attract the black bears and locals to come for some fat juicy fruit. After exiting the park, there may be a quick ice cream stop near the famous (to AT thru hikers) Abol Bridge before we head back into the park along the last few miles of the Appalachian Trail before it starts climbing to the summit of Katahdin.

You will need to bring everything into the park that you'll need from Friday night to Monday morning (two breakfasts and lunches, three dinners). We'll have stoves available for use, but consider brining one if you have one - it makes meals go a bit faster. We will also have firewood in the camp for fires each night. If you have any questions, ask.

Note: payment only covers access to lean-to for camping and company on hike. It does not include any meals or transportation. We may be able to offer car pooling.

About the trip:

• Trails: Various
• Meet: Hannaford Supermarket, Millinocket, ME
• Hike Location: Baxter State Park
• Cost: $50
• Type: Two Day Hikes
• Distance: various
• Elevation gain: 4,000'+
• High point: Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin (5,268')
• Hiking time: 7+ hours*
• Children: very challenging for youth, contact leader
• Dogs friendly: dogs are not allowed in Baxter State Park

You should have:

• Map of trails - provided upon registration
• Driving directions to meeting point - provided upon registration
• Talent release form (for anyone who hasn't completed one)
• The Essentials for Safe Hiking
• HikeSafe Web Site
• Leave No Trace (LNT) - Seven Principles
• 2019 Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Waiver and Release from Liability

Look for green Jeep in supermarket parking lot.

* By its nature, it is hard to always know how long a hike will take. Terrain and trail conditions can change, hikers may have a wide variety of speeds, and emergencies can happen. We attempt to estimate the expected time based on nearly twenty years of experience. Sometimes we're wrong.

Photo Credit: Jim Robinson