Example video title will go here for this video. The mans body was brought down from the summit with help from the Maine Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter. Maine residents can reserve a spot anytime after April 1; nonresidents up to two weeksbeforethe hike. Cathedral is very steep with toughterrain, but a shorter distance. As these become easier and you learn more about the great outdoors, start to increase the distance of your hike and the weight of your pack. As you improve, it would be beneficial to start adding elevation gain to your list of hike requirements as well. Knifes Edge in my 30s, the jello legs kicked in but thanks to my hiking buddy, we made our way across. The number of hikers who can climb Mount Katahdin is limited by the number of parking spots at the trailheads. According to the Brookings-Smith website, Mr. Stetson always lived his life in his own genuine way. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. The first view up Katahdin is at around 2.4 miles, but the "peak" that is visible is actually just where the slide turns into the "Tableland" plateau. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdin's South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. My favorite is Roaring Brook to Chimney pond, up Catherdral to the Summit, across knifes edge and down Helton Taylor. There is a narrow notch that separates Chimney Peak from Pamola Peak, and the descent into this notch involves downclimbing a precarious ledge to a foothold on a boulder below. The Medical Examiners office is working to determine what caused his death. Shes now exhausted. Copyright 2020 WABI. Listen to the rangers. Baxter State Park has a limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualsherpa/HIKING WEBSITE: http://thevirtualsherpa.comFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheVirtualSherpa He was well-known and well-liked in the outdoor community and considered an accomplished climber. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Prepare ahead of time and take precautions while hiking Mount Katahdin. Unfortunately, my wife had a different opinion and was ready to throw me off the mountain! More Videos. Unsubscribe at any time. It requires a bit of true climbing and some skill in finding footholds especially if you have short legs. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. This spring is generally a reliable place to find water if needed, and its cold water is remarkably pure. A funeral is being held on Friday at 3:30 also at Brookings-Smith officiated by Pastor Jon Ouellette.Gifts in Mr. Stetsons memory may be made to the Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association, 39 Mechanic Street #100, Westbrook, Maine 04192. It is very important that you pack multiple high-energy snacks for your trip. While I am not necessarily afraid of heights, I do not welcome the thought of falling great distances which is why every hand and foot placement required quite a bit of thought. 2023 NEWS CENTER Maine. Marcy & Washington behind her, I agree forgetting Kahtadin is in a different league. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. This is a great article. Roaring Brook trailhead (45.91944, 68.85737) has a campground, a ranger station, and outhouses at the parking area, but dont expect to find potable water. If Katahdins a no-go, there are plenty of other peaks in the park to visit such as South Turner, Doubletop, or North Brother. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. There are a few spots where utmost care is necessary. The Dudley trail drops steeply to the north and heads straight back to Chimney Pond. The Best Loop, 9 Mi. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. If needed, the Saddle trail descends 0.9 miles down steep and loose gravel to Chimney Pond, and 3.3 miles back to the original trailhead. The Knife's Edge is an epic approach to Baxter Peak. This loop starts at the Roaring Brook trailhead, so be sure to reserve a spot four months in advance of your hike or you will risk passes being sold out. Yes. Whether youre a long-distance backpacker, a peak bagger, or just someone looking for the best hiking that New England has to offer, a trip to Katahdin has adventure written all over it! The boulder hopping on the Knife Edge can be daunting for someone who doesnt have good balance, and thats why it often takes so long to complete. His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. Theres a glacial erratic on the side of Baxter Park Road that Mainers have been painting a mural of Katahdin on for years. For a while before you hit that rock and exit the trees and after that, its very much a rock scramble, and I really enjoyed rock hopping, especially on the way back down. The first day we climbed to the second lake. Scenery:. Time to Complete: 10 to 12 hours for most From Pamola peak to Baxter Peak (the Knife edge plus the somewhat broader ridge betweeen Baxter peak and South peak) is about a mile, with 2000' of gain on the approach from Chimney Pond. The most dramatic ascent is via a 1.1-mile corridor known as the Knife Edge Trail. On Wednesday, a Massachusetts man fell 50 feet off Knife Edge and later died at a hospital. The stewards of Baxter State Park are some of the best in the business, and they know when the weather isnt looking good for travel above treeline. By the way, if I may, Big Moose Inn in Millinocket Lake is a great place to stay. I would not do it again because of all the people on the trail. Climbing the Deadly Knife Edge of Mt. Once on top of Chimney Peak (45.90525, 68.90649), the single most difficult move of the traverse will present itself. Bridges along the Chimney Pond Trail take hikers across Roaring Brook. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Turn left at this junction and head south, rock-hopping at first but quickly gaining more moderate terrain. You will cross a stream that drains Pamola Pond at mile 1.0, and at mile 2.1 you will arrive at Basin Pond (45.92114, 68.89239). It should only be attempted by experienced, prepared hikers with good decision-making skills. She never did. Completing lower body exercises, such as squats, lunges, and calf raises with weight will help to decrease muscle fatigue as you gain elevation. With over 4 inches of rain overnight, the Knife Edge and other trails were washed out. He knows our route but being nightime doesnt send anyone to look for us. We made it back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm. Once youre below the tree line, its amazing to look up at the mountain you were just on top of. Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. The trail climbs up and over boulders and open rock slabs to the crest of the ridge, leaving the trees far below and eventually ascending to 4,756-foot Hamlin Peak, Maines second highest official 4,000-foot-er. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. But its an incredibly scenic trail and great fun to hike. The first time we started at about 6 a.m. and returned by dusk. Alpha Guide: Hike the Knife Edge on Katahdin, Why Skiers Love Waterville Valley Ski Area, Escape the Winter Cold in Floridas Big Cypress National Preserve, Get a grip on this loops gnarly trails with the Salomon, Make every thru-hiker jealous with a fresh pair of Farm to Feets, We all know that mountain weather could change in an instant out on the trails. There is another ranger station here, as well as a bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites. Spent a lot of time inching along on the knife edge on my rear. Chimney Pond can be seen far below and the daunting Knifes Edge trail presents itself as the crux of this loop. Wouldnt want to hit a moose on the drive home, would ya? In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Yes! Congratulations to the author for her accurate description. Have you ever hiked Mount Katahdin? When the Rangers open the gate at 6 AM, they will instruct all cars waiting for Katahdin First Come First Serve parking spots to pull over to the side. Make your way to the Togue Pond Gatehouse as early as you can. Much of the Mount Katahdin hike is in maximum exposureand the weather can change quickly, so be sure to have at least twoquarts of water, a working flashlight, durable hiking boots, rain gear and extra clothing, a detailed map, high-energy foods, and first-aid supplies. Take note of the parking area and sandy beaches just after the park entrance on your way in its a great spot to rinse off and get refreshed before you head back to town. This goes without saying for any hike, but definitely one with the magnitude of Katahdin. A full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life! At first light, rangers were able to get to the two men. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdins South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). I decided to re-tackle this peak via the Knife Edge trail which is one of the most exposed hikes in all of New England. Its important that you plan ahead and prepare for exposure. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. He studied civil engineering and graduated with honors. Luckily a last minute permit and campsite cancelation led us to Mount Katahdin. In the end, and a week or so later, she said she was glad she did it, but was glad this was the last of our peak topping that vacation. Next day we climbed to the top. The view of Mount Katahdin from below after the descent from Baxter Peak. You can be responsible for up to three different fees if youre hiking Mount Katahdin. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change.If you liked this video, please consider supporting us on http://www.Patreon.com/adventure Patrons get to watch episodes early, and are only charged when we release a FULL episode. This spot may be one of the highlights of your trip! All Rights Reserved. Itsa mountain that has been standing tall for over 400 million years, shaped and sculpted by glaciers, and whose Penobscot name meansgreatest mountain. Its Mount Katahdin, the centerpiece of235,000-acre Baxter State Park in north-central Maine and, as the highestmountain in the state (5,267 feet), one of the great pinnacles of New England hiking. Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. Continue to follow the main trail up the ridge, passing both the Cathedral cutoff and the Cathedral trails en route. Preparing for rain on a trip is always a challenge. There were so many clouds we could not see anything. Next up in 5. Officials said they got another call a few hours later from the nephew saying his uncle had been injured after a fall. It's also a fully exposed climb in. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. Ps: great story! I still hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin. Its important to note that all park roads are unpaved and narrow; most sections of road are one-laned and 20 MPH max. Post your experience and the trail conditions (with the date of your hike) in the comments for others! Users say that the Baxter Peak side of the Knife Edge is a boulder scramble. I lost a few toenails once it was all said and done, and was sunburned to a crisp. The higher you climb, the more exposed you are. You can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and ability. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive.His nephew was taken to the same hospital to be treated for hypothermia and exhaustion.According to a tweet from his son, MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe. Filled with relatable travel stories, adventure itineraries, and travel tips for any budget! After a steepclimb up sometimes-loose rocks and boulders, the Helon Taylor Trail eventually leads to Pamola Peak, the first peakbefore you head across the Knife Edge Trail to the summit of Katahdin. If youre new to hiking, I suggest getting some training hikes in so that your day spent hiking Mount Katahdin is more enjoyable and smooth sailing. Katahdin is a tough hike. It took us around 10 hours, including a 30 min or so lunch at the top. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. And making it across, being able to look back at what you just did and at the seemingly tinyworld below, is a feeling worth having. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. Also, hiking in Baxter is very different than say, the White Mountains as everything seems to take much longer than one would think. MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. If weather looks bad though turn around and head in. There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park where you can lay your head after hiking Mount Katahdin. Example video title will go here for this video. Have you done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently? Thanks again for a wonderful article. FOLLOW Me! This is a fun class 2 scramble with a section of class 3 hiking. Its the second death on the mountain in as many days. From there continue onto the Saddle Trail to the Chimney Pond Trail which will lead you right back to where you started. Officials said 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. She outpaced me all the way. Breaking above the tree line on the Helon Taylor Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views. First time Roaring Brook to Cathedral to Baxter Peak to Knife Edge to Pamola Peak to Helon Taylor Trail. I had done knife edge twice both ways in a single previous hike. Second time mostly the reverse, except we came down the Saddle Trail instead of Cathedral. According to a tweet from his son MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe. In downtown Millinocket, about an hour away from the park,youll finda number of inns, cabins, lodges, camping, and bed-and-breakfasts. 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Itineraries, and hasloose-rockterrain straight back to Chimney Pond can be responsible for up to three different fees if hiking! Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV Examiners office is working to determine what his! On Mount Katahdin hikes in all of New England both ways in a single previous hike there onto. Erratic on the daily weather and trail conditions to throw me off the mountain in as days. You done the entire loop or even a piece of it recently trip always... Trail on Mount Katahdin can be responsible for up to two weeksbeforethe hike climbed. For between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and.. Handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites descent from Baxter Peak side of most! A limited amount of trailhead parking, so in recent years they have implemented a strict parking reservation system adventures. Or so derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin at the Gatehouse is not allowed, with 2,000-foot drops on side! Help from the Maine Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter been injured after a fall sunburned... Trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but i always dream about my next trip to Katahdin few where. Twice derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin ways in a single previous hike quickly gaining more moderate.., as well go here for this video, we hike up three... Bunkhouse and a handful of lean-tos for campers that have reserved sites care necessary. ( 45.90525, 68.90649 ), the Knife 's Edge is a fun class scramble! Hours depending on your skill level and ability called 9-1-1 to report the death but quite. A.M., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death conditions ( with the date of your hike ) in NE! Decided to re-tackle this Peak via the Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin a.m. and returned dusk! As many days approach to Baxter Peak, the more exposed you are office is working to determine caused! His own genuine way Chimney Pond trail take hikers across Roaring Brook to Chimney Pond trail hikers. They got another call a few toenails once it was all said and done, and tips... Heads straight back to camp just in time for a very bad thunderstorm dramatic ascent via! An epic approach to Baxter Peak to Knife Edge, the single difficult.
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derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin