Mount Katahdin's Dudley Trail - Baxter State Park
Hiking & Scenery
Hiking on Baxter State Park's Mt. Katahdin
Dudley Trail on Mt. Katahdin
Chimney Pond to Pamola Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1¼ mile
Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
During the early 1900's Leroy Dudley, the famous Maine Guide, blazed this trail. It ascends Pamola Peak at a very steep grade, almost completely above treeline. Exposure is maximum and caution is advised.
From the Chimney Pond ranger's cabin, head east by the northeast shore of Chimney Pond. The trail, marked with blue blazes, begins a very steep ascent through scrub trees and mossy boulders. Some striking cliffs are seen on the right. At 0.4 mile, a spur trail turns left to caves created from fallen slabs of Katahdin granite. These caves offer shelter from the rain, but they are no place to be if thunder and lightning are present. Past this spur trail, Dudley Trail continues its ascent along the rocky way and soon rises above treeline. There are many fine views along the upper portion of this trail. Index Rock is a great place for stunning photos. At Pamola Peak, Helon Taylor Trail comes in on the east (left) and the Knife Edge Trail descends southwest.
"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
Cathedral Trail
Chimney Pond to Baxter Peak, the "hard" way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1¾ mile
Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes
...Cathedral 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
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
Near the bottom of Dudley Trail - A tough climb ahead!
Boulders on Dudley Trail
Dudley Trail near Pinnacle Rock
Dudley Trail along ridgeline leading to Pamola Peak
Pinnacle Rock on Dudley 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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