Mount Katahdin's Knife Edge Trail - Baxter State Park
Hiking & Scenery

Knife Edge Trail on Mt. Katahdin

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1 mile
Time: 1 hour

This spectacular hike traverses the renowned Knife Edge ridge from Baxter Peak to Pamola Peak (you must also hike to and from these peaks). The trail encompasses four peaks, a broad, sloping plateau, and a serrated ridge that in places is little more than a few feet wide.

The Knife Edge has blue blazes marking the best route and it needs them - due to the steepness and narrowness of this ridge or, "arete," there is only one way to go! The Knife Edge is in a zone of maximum exposure; caution is advised. This route has known many accidents - some fatal - so take the weather seriously before ascending!

From Pamola Peak, head southwest, descending a steep scetion of the floor of "the Chimney." Go across the floor and make the fairly difficult climb to Chimney Peak. This is technically where the Knife Edge begins. The trail ascends and descends over out-crops, boulders and other smaller fragments. Take care - there are no rope catches or other climbing aids along this route, so the hiker must be prepared to climb totally on his/her own. Continue southwest along the narrow ridge, descending steeply, and begin an ascent of South Peak. Once you have reached the summit proper, the trail swings northwest for the narrow walk across the completion of the Knife Edge. The trail terminates at Baxter Peak.

"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.

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