Appalachian Trail: Katahdin
The northern terminus, or final point, of the Appalachian Trail is the Katahdin, in Baxter State Park. The trail from Park Line to Katahdin Stream Campground totals 7.95 miles. The trail's highest elevation is 5,267 feet. The terrain is difficult because its elevation is Maine's highest peak.
This trail can be strenuous; expect a full day of hiking. This trail is popular, and you will likely encounter a lot of hikers, especially in the summer. The nearest campground for this trail is the Katahdin Stream Campground, which has limited parking.
To hike the Appalachian Trail, Baxter Park regulations require you to register at the information booth at the Abol and Katahdin streams. The purpose of this registration is for statistics and contact information in case of an emergency.
Abol Trail
The Abol Trail length is 7.6 miles when hiked in a round-trip loop. Its steep terrain makes for a moderately difficult hike. This is the shortest trip to Baxter Peak and is difficult to descend because of some loose gravel and stones. It offers a quieter hike than the Appalachian Trail.
Abol's trail head is within the Abol Campground, which is on the perimeter road and easily accessible through the park's southern entrance.
Knife Edge Trail
This trail routes from Pamola to Baxter Peak and totals 1.1 miles in length. You can opt to make this a round-trip hike that leaves and returns from the Roaring Brook Campground.
The trail is not easy because the hike's descent traverses along a narrow, rocky terrain between Baxter Peak and Pamola Peak. Expect to hike in edgy spaces because he trail narrows down to 2 or 3 feet, with a steep drop on either side.
Article Written By Rona Aquino
Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.
