Lets talk Katahdin

**hikergirl1120** · 06-12-2009, 11:19

Planning on hiking Katahdin on July 1st (the start of my SOBO thru).

I have never attempted it before.

What's up with the "Knife's Edge"? Is that part of the AT, didn't think it was but not sure...

Any advice about the mountain??

I will be hiking up from Katahdin stream campground

**Ridge Rat** · 06-12-2009, 13:28

Knifes edge is not part of the AT, but apart of the international AT. I have hiked it twice. Knifes edge is by far the better way to go up, but not officially the AT.

**hikergirl1120** · 06-12-2009, 13:30

Better for views??? It looks kind of scary

**Jeff** · 06-12-2009, 13:40

Originally Posted by hikergirl1120

Better for views??? It looks kind of scary

Right on both counts. It's scary, fun!!!!!

Many NOBO hikers take the AT (Hunt Trail) up and the Knife Edge down. But, they need to coordinate a shuttle since the trailheads are far apart.

**Buzz_Lightfoot** · 06-12-2009, 14:12

No, knife edge ins't the AT. You will not traverse it from teh campground you are starting at.

Bring plenty of water. When I summited "Thoreau Spring" was a damp spot. (:

**emerald** · 06-12-2009, 16:47

Originally Posted by Jeff

Many NOBO hikers take the AT (Hunt Trail) up and the Knife Edge down.

The Knife Edge should be attempted only by hikers who show proper respect toward Pamola. Taylor or Dudley and Roaring Brook are the trails to Roaring Brook Campground.

Roy Dudley mentioned in the Wiki article link and Helon N. Taylor were long-time Baxter State Park employees whose contributions are honored by the trails which bear their names.

**buckwheat** · 06-12-2009, 17:56

I'd also recommend that you spend some time looking over the website here:

http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/

In researching a trip to Baxter State Park, I've found their reservation requirements to be fairly strict. You have to plan longer ahead owing to the lack of facilities in Baxter and its popularity.

Many national parks and even most state parks, you can just show up. I don't think that's as true for Baxter, judging from what I'm reading.

Others who've actually been there may be able to offer more information. I find it difficult to plan four months in advance (which is what they recommend for camping reservations). Don't know if it's really that bad, but that's what the website says.

Cheers,
Buckwheat

**Tin Man** · 06-12-2009, 18:06

knife edge up, hunt trail (AT) down, finest way to start a sobo, imo

**Red Hat** · 06-12-2009, 18:20

Most folks just do Hunt up and Hunt down. Simplest, easiest way from Katahdin Stream. No shuttles necessary. Even an old lady can do it (I did July 1 last year)

**mudhead** · 06-12-2009, 18:24

If you have never climbed it, Hunt Trail up and down. Something special about popping out of the trees and looking up. Looks different coming back down.

Wander out 100 yards on the Knifedge to get a taste.

I think there might be something to the whole Pamola thing. Not sure how to even explain.

Dudley is a pain to go down. Very cool trail going up.

**Ox97GaMe** · 06-12-2009, 20:02

Knife's Edge is not a bad hike in good weather. It is considerably more dangerous in bad weather. High wind or rain along that route will make you wish you hadnt started out there. It is only a mile from Baxter Peak to Panola Peak. Take your time and enjoy an hour. Also be aware......... on a good day, there will be lots of locals hiking across the Edge. There are places where passing is difficult. If you have your thru hiker pack, hopefully, they will give you the right of way, but dont always count on it. New Englanders dont always have the best manners.

Enjoy your hike. Give us a shout when you get down into my area.

**emerald** · 06-12-2009, 23:32

I remember an image I liked of The Knife Edge maybe from South Peak. When I tried to relocate it the last time I tried to find it, I couldn't.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=8641

**The Mechanical Man** · 06-13-2009, 03:17

You could DIE there, listen to the park rangers.

**woodsy** · 06-13-2009, 08:50

Originally Posted by Ox97GaMe

. New Englanders dont always have the best manners.

**mudhead** · 06-13-2009, 09:04

Obviously talking about people from the south side of the river.

People can be curt up this way.

**woodsy** · 06-13-2009, 10:08

Originally Posted by mudhead

Obviously talking about people from the south side of the river.

Guess so, i live here and have very good manners. Yes mam, no mam, yes sir, no sir, please, thank you, etc.....
Some paint with very broad brushes.

**vonfrick** · 06-13-2009, 10:12

woodsy's a jerk

**woodsy** · 06-13-2009, 10:20

Why thank you Vonfrick, see, i've got manners.
Anyhow, you ain't really climbed Katahdin till you've been across the Knife Edge and summited Pamola and Chimney Peaks, just sayin, don't let that summit sign fool you.

**grizzlyadam** · 06-13-2009, 10:28

Here is a good knife edge image for you:

Knife Edge

I started from Roaring Brook Campground early one morning, climbed to Pamola Peak, crossed the Knife Edge to Baxter Peak, and then continued south on the AT. What a great day and a fun way to start a hike....

**mudhead** · 06-13-2009, 10:38

Originally Posted by woodsy

Why thank you Vonfrick, see, i've got manners.
Anyhow, you ain't really climbed Katahdin till you've been across the Knife Edge and summited Pamola and Chimney Peaks, just sayin, don't let that summit sign fool you.

Can't spell worth spit, but you do have a point. Speaking of points

I have always wanted to take a nap on that big pointed rock, but am always kind of charged up.

Can't quite bring myself to go down to it.

Fine pic grizz. Got any good ones looking over the edge?

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