Katahdin Via the Hunt Trail

Katahdin is the pinnacle of hiking in the Northeast. To write a review for this summit would take a book because it deserves every word a man could write for its beauty, rugged terrain, wildlife offerings, views, tortuous weather and sense of accomplishment when summiting. The Hunt Trail has metal rungs over boulders for safety and footing. The Saddle Trail is easier/safer. The Hunt Trail is absolutely beautiful and there is meaning to this route. Henry David Thoreau, one of Ktaadn's earliest visitors, took this route nearly to summit. It also is part of the Appalachian Trail. Thousands of trail pilgrims make their way over this final track of rugged Maine to reach their triumph. My wife and I hiked this as a traverse, up and over, down to Chimney Pond and out to Roaring Brook - hitchhiking some 40 miles back to Katahdin Stream Campground to get our vehicle. It was a rainy day and the views were in and out as "the cloud factory" (as Thoreau called it) was hard at work, pumping out great masses of cloud and rain. Some of the best views were down at Chimney Pond looking back up to the Mt. Katahdin range. With binoculars you can watch hikers cross the famous Knife Edge and locate Baxter Peak which was called Monument Peak long ago. I've taken so many people up Katahdin because I am so proud of how well the State maintains it, the rewarding views, the challenge it provides and the remoteness of its locale. I highly recommend this hike. You need to book 3 months in advance, as soon as the rolling reservation system opens. baxterstateparkauthority.com . I love staying in the lean-tos at Katahdin Stream - the open air camping is awesome. After hiking katahdin i usually visit the AT Cafe located in Millinocket. You can get Katahdin stickers, cups, t-shirts etc. There is a lot of great hiking, camping and fishing to do inside Baxter State Park. Do your research and enjoy the Beauty of Maine! Best, Kasey Marsters