Chimney Pond Trail

[Eckwin]

I was just wondering what people's opinions are about this trail's difficulty factor. Do you have to be in great hiking shape, or could a family of 5 or 6 that are in relatively average shape and properly prepared for a hike make it to Chimney Pond from Roaring Brook campgrounds without any difficulties?

I'm reading about scrambling over rocks and such. Am I gonna need climbing gear? Is it that treacherous? Or will a walking stick and being careful of our footing help us be successful?

[mudhead]

You will be fine. No use of hands needed. My mother could do it tomorrow.

[Eckwin]

LOL ...that's hysterical! Thanks.

In that case, would you know if one of the other trails might be slightly more challenging but more rewarding scenery?

[mudhead]

If you have not been there, go to Chimney Pond. Take lunch.

Plenty of mountain beyond that point.

Short sweet hike up S. Taylor from RB Campground. It is steep enough.

[Eckwin]

Well thanks for the advice! I'm really phsyced to get up there ...2 more weeks!!

[mudhead]

If you have not been there, go to Chimney Pond. Take lunch.

Plenty of mountain beyond that point.

Short sweet hike up S. Taylor from RB Campground. It is steep enough.

Edit to S. Turner. Hope I don't get cabbage in my green salad tonight.

[Eckwin]

Um ...I don't know what S. Taylor means? LOL

[garlic08]

I hiked down that trail one-way after my thru hike. It seemed as rocky as any trail in Maine, and maybe a little loose in spots. It was packed with grannies and kids taking their time--not technical at all. Chimney Pond is a nice spot, also a little crowded, but fun. A stick might be a good idea (as long as you don't trip over the stick).

[mudhead]

S. Turner is a short day hike from RB Campground. Not as involved as Baxter Peak.

[Eckwin]

Oh so wich do you recommend? Heck I might even be able to do both. We're gonna be in a cabin just outside town for a week.

[weary]

The scenery from Chimney Pond is better than any I've seen in the east. Nothing else in my experience comes close. Nor is the trail in particularly difficult. I did it a month ago, but decided to stop at the foot of the Saddle Trail headwall, a mile above Chimney Pond -- only to be embarrassed later. The ranger told my companions, "I'm surprised he didn't summit. An 89-year-old summitted in June."

If you spend nights at Chimney Pond, it's the easiest route up Katahdin -- 3.5 miles to Chimney Pond, then a four mile round trip to the summit, before a final easy 3.5 mile walk down to the last parking lot.

The mileages above are approximate. From Chimney Pond there're four trails to the top -- some longer, one shorter, but steeper, and more of a rock scramble.

Weary