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

Saddle Trail on Mt. Katahdin

Chimney Pond to Baxter Peak, the "easier" way

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 2¼ mile
Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Heading west from Chimney Pond Campground the trail ascends through fir and spruce and in ¾ mile, crosses a brook. Traversing an old slide, the trail brings the hiker above treeline to some great views. (Caution is advised along the upper half of this trail; exposure is maximum.) Continuing the ascent up the Saddle slide, the trail climbs along scrub growth called "krumholtz" (crooked wood). At 1 mile, the trail swings southeast around the rim of the Great Basin toward the Tableland and, ½ mile from the top of the slide, reaches a junction. Here, Baxter Peak Cut-off Trail heads west (right) and Cathedral Trail heads east (left); Saddle Trail continues southeast, ascending a steep section on its way to Baxter Peak. Just before the summit, you will intersect with the Cathedral Trail. At the summit proper, the Knife Edge heads southeast and Hunt Trail heads 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.

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