Mount Katahdin's Helon Taylor Trail - Baxter State Park
Hiking & Scenery
Hiking on Baxter State Park's Mt. Katahdin
Helon Taylor Trail on Mt. Katahdin
Roaring Brook to Pamola Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 3¼ mile
Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Named for the much-appreciated former supervisor of Baxter State Park, this trail offers a short but rugged ascent to Pamola Peak.
Take Chimney Pond Trail for ¼ mile; turn west onto Helon Taylor Trail; ascent is fairly steep. Continue ascent southwest, crossing a stream (last water source). The ascent to Keep Ridge begins, with views worth many stops. This entire section, all the way to Pamola, is very exposed; caution is advised, as severe weather could blow in unexpectedly from the blind (west) side of Pamola. Following the cairns (rock piles), ascend the remainder of Keep Ridge to the summit proper, where there are excellent views of the Katahdin range. Here Dudley Trail leaves to the north (right) and the awesome Knife Edge juts out to the southwest (left).
Note: Do not attempt the Knife Edge Trail if inclement weather looks at all threatening; in fact, descend from this peak immediately. The peak, known for its violent storms, inspired the Indian legends of Pamola, the huge, destructive storm bird.
"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
Dudley Trail
Chimney Pond to Pamola Peak
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1¼ mile
Time: 2 hours, 10 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
Sign at Pamola Peak with Traveler Mountain in background - Helon Taylor Trail
"Keep Ridge" with
Chimney Peak on the left
Helon Taylor Trail
Bottom of Keep Ridge on Helon Taylor Trail
Knife Edge from
Helon Taylor Trail
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