Mount Katahdin's Cathedral Trail - Baxter State Park
Hiking & Scenery
Hiking on Baxter State Park's Mt. Katahdin
Cathedral Trail on Mt. Katahdin
Chimney Pond to Baxter Peak, the "hard" way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1¾ mile
Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes
This trail offers the shortest climb from Chimney Pond Campground to Baxter Peak. The hike, following blue blazes, is a strenuous one. There are no water sources along the route, so fill up at the campground.
From the ranger's cabin, the trail leaves southwest and rises through evergreen forest toward the base of the massive rock formations, which resemble the buttresses and spires of three cathedrals. The trail first passes Cleftrock Pool; after a large cairn (a man-made pile of stones) it bears right, across a talus boulder field and approaches the first "cathedral." The higher second "cathedral" is soon reached and, at 1 mile from the trailhead, the third "cathedral" is attained. From here, the trail bears left (Cathedral Cut-off Trail goes right) and, in ¼ mile, merges with the Saddle Trail and on to Baxter Peak. Note: This trail is too steep to recommend as a descent route and should never be attempted in the rain.
"It was so awe-inspiring as we started our climb in full sunshine and then the clouds began to creep over the top of the ridge and obscure the summit. Soon after we reached the top the clouds gave way to the sun again and wow! The views were spectacular. It was a most rewarding adventure and experience that we shall never forget. What an awesome mountain is the great Katahdin." - Dale & Vickie Bynum, Texas
Other Trails on Mt. Katahdin
The following are the popular trails going up Mt. Katahdin. Each trail features a page of photos so you can get a close look at what they are like.
Abol Trail
Abol Campground to Thoreau Spring
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 2¾ mile
Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
...Abol Trail Details and Photos
Chimney Pond Trail
Roaring Brook Campground to Chimney Pond
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3¼ mile
Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
...Chimney Pond Trail Details and Photos
Hunt Trail
Northern End of Appalachian Trail - Katahdin Stream Campground to Baxter Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 5¼ mile
Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes
...Hunt Trail Details and Photos
Saddle Trail
Chimney Pond to Baxter Peak, the "easier" way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 2¼ mile
Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
...Saddle Trail Details and Photos
Knife Edge Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1 mile
Time: 1 hour
...Knife Edge Trail Details and Photos
Dudley Trail
Chimney Pond to Pamola Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1¼ mile
Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
...Dudley Trail Details and Photos
Helon Taylor Trail
Roaring Brook to Pamola Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 3¼ mile
Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Park Season & Gate Hours
For safety reasons, rangers at Baxter Park require you to start your hikes early enough to safely finish in daytime. The times are available at our lodge.
Additional Park Info
For more information on Baxter State Park, visit:
www.baxterstateparkauthority.com
www.friendsofbaxter.org
Click on Photo for a
detailed Blow Up View
Looking up from the start of Cathedral Trail
First "Cathedral" on
Cathedral Trail
If you're looking for incredible scenery, warm hospitality and rustic elegance, 5 Lakes Lodge Bed and Breakfast, on "the other coast of Maine", is a wonderful place to experience the best that Maine has to offer.
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