The knife edge - Mt. Katahdin

[Nouknitouk]

I would be extremely interested if someone had a story about hiking the totally awesome "knife edge" over Mt. Katahdin in Maine's Baxter State Park.

We might head there at the end of the summer, and would like to hear some stories hehe.

thanks
Patrick Bureau

[RiseAboveHiker]

Start early in the day, not only because you will need all the time to hike it, but also because the rangers won't let you in after a certain time. If you can go in the night before and camp at the lake below it to shorten your climb.

Hope for good weather and low winds. It is super scary being up there with just a narrow footway of cobblestones that you have to boulder across, with 1,000 foot drops on either side. The section called the Chimney is also a bit scary because if the pitch was any steeper you would need ropes and technical equipment. Bring sunblock too as you are in open sun for over an hour on your scramble across.

That said, it is a completely awesome trek. I can't wait until I can do it again.

[Head]

It's absolutely sick! In the guidebook, it's stated that theres a spot about 3 feet wide with 1000' drop offs on either side. It's pretty close to that (although if you fell, you wouldn't go all the way to the bottom ). Here's a video clip of our trip out there (plenty of Knife Edge footage as well!) Enjoy! BAXTER

[lumberzac]

It's the only thing like it in the east. If you go up the Dudley Trail from Chimney Pond you can climb up Index Rock.

Here's some pictures.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1179468509048978467NOxprk

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1179468642048978467CCrVHx

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1179468673048978467ltZoqN

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1179468709048978467mywztZ

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1179468752048978467xCgXci

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1179468812048978467xptPee

[satchownz]

I'd love to do it! I'm thinking about doing some of the 100 mile Maine woods (AT) this summer, I may have to add that onto my list of Maine Hikes this year.

Good call!