Knife Edge Trail Katahdin

Trails Maine Knife Edge Trail Katahdin

Maine · penobscot County

Knife Edge Trail Katahdin

Highly exposed alpine traverse across Katahdin's dramatic ridge.

Rating

Length

8.8 mi

Difficulty

9

County

penobscot

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Katahdin Chimney Pond Trail

Backcountry approach to alpine cirque scenery beneath Katahdin.

Time not available

Katahdin Helon Taylor Trail

Classic exposed ridge route to Katahdin's summit plateau.

Time not available

Sandy Stream Pond Trail Baxter

Gentle pond-side route with frequent wildlife and mountain views.

Time not available

About This Trail

A 1.1-mile exposed alpine traverse across Katahdin’s serrated ridge from Pamola Peak to Baxter Peak at 5,267 feet, narrowing to just three feet wide with 1,500-foot drops on both sides. Widely regarded as the most exhilarating pure hike in New England, this legendary route demands experience and calm nerves.

Location

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Coordinates: 45.902299, -68.9132152

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Getting There

From the Togue Pond Gatehouse at Baxter State Park, take the Perimeter Road to Roaring Brook Campground. The Knife Edge is accessed via the Helon Taylor Trail to Pamola Peak.

Nearby Trails

Katahdin Chimney Pond Trail

Backcountry approach to alpine cirque scenery beneath Katahdin.

Katahdin Helon Taylor Trail

Classic exposed ridge route to Katahdin's summit plateau.

Sandy Stream Pond Trail Baxter

Gentle pond-side route with frequent wildlife and mountain views.

South Turner Mountain Trail

Steady Baxter climb to open summit ledges and broad panoramas.

Katahdin Abol Trail

Steep Baxter ascent with scrambly sections and major alpine summit views.

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