derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin

The view of the inner basin from the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin. Another hiker dies on Mt. True to name, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on both sides. In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Park officials tell us that around 11:30 a.m., someone called 9-1-1 to report the death. There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park where you can lay your head after hiking Mount Katahdin. I was hooked after the first climb and have returned to Baxter State Park different times. We got in line, 5th car back, at 6:57am, but didnt get to the rangers station until 7:03, i.e. Some spots are as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side. The approach on the Helon Taylor trail up to Pamola Peak was an incredible climb. And thats okay! After breaking my ankle while running, we had to. Beware of Kahtadin! Sign in at the trailhead register here and head west up the Chimney Pond trail along the southwest bank of the river. Crossing the Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even tougher. The weather on our fateful day started out with crystal blue skies but quickly turned to fifty foot visibility with an estimated 30 mph cross winds as a front moved in from the east. Once on top of Chimney Peak (45.90525, 68.90649), the single most difficult move of the traverse will present itself. : Start at Roaring Brook Campground and take the Helon Taylor Trail to Knife Edge which will bring you to Baxter Peak, or Mount Katahdin. Would I recommend it? Oh, and if you are from out of town, the grocery store in Millonocket (sp?) On the Knife Edge, I asked for permission to go around a guy who was butt-crawling along, and took a moment to encourage him, telling him that he could do it, and that he was one of the few people in the world who dared to even try. Get a bag for the tripor at least for breakfast in the car on the way there! Each reservation must be presented at the entrance gate on the morning of your hike. Alan Bernier has spent the better part of the last 20 years bagging peaks large and small across the country, including over 2,000 different mountains in New England. I don't remember the incident. We decided to shorter route which was very rocky. Example video title will go here for this video. The first day we climbed to the second lake. (NEWS CENTER) The outdoor world was shocked to learn of the death of John Stetson, 68 of East Holden. He was a well-known and highly respected outdoorsman and adventurer who often led groups in the back country. Part of me wants to do the AT someday, but that thing look terrifying! You Need to be at Baxter State Parks Entrance around 4:00 AM; I know this sounds excessive, but believe me when I say you wont even be the first car in line. This will be the trail that you finish your loop on, and if poor afternoon weather conditions are forecast you may want to do this loop in reverse. Pamola & Chimney Peaks, Mt Katahdin. Being above treeline means you are fully exposed to the elements including wind, rain, hail, fog, lightning, snow, and cold.

And lessons learned. The boulder hopping on the Knife Edge can be daunting for someone who doesnt have good balance, and thats why it often takes so long to complete. Both the hike and the drive home will take longer than you expect, so consider booking a campsite or a room back in town to rest up and refuel after a long day. Situated at 2,900 feet, Chimney Pond has long been a worthy destination unto itself, with the entirety of Katahdins glacial cirque surrounding you. He studied civil engineering and graduated with honors. Theres a glacial erratic on the side of Baxter Park Road that Mainers have been painting a mural of Katahdin on for years. Also, hiking in Baxter is very different than say, the White Mountains as everything seems to take much longer than one would think. The gap between Pamola and Chimney peaks can be very challenging because it is steep and many of the rocks you have to climb up lean in towards the gap. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Cathryn McCann. Follow the blue blazes along the rocky arete, carefully making your way down towards a high saddle on the ridge towards Chimney Peak. From Pamola peak to Baxter Peak (the Knife edge plus the somewhat broader ridge betweeen Baxter peak and South peak) is about a mile, with 2000' of gain on the approach from Chimney Pond. According to a page on the Brookings-Smith website, he graduated from Bangor High School in 1966 and The University of Maine. Our decision-making skills kept us from traversing Knife Edge and making it to Katahdin in August of 2019. Hes proud to call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth. This hike was very difficult and I think there was only one other group that did the same hike. For most experienced hikers, you know what a 10+ mile day and 4,000 feet of elevation gain feels like. Katahdin is a great challenge but it is so much more than just another hike. There we laid down on the trail till sun up and now rejuvenated but little sleep my girlfriend and I start in. File photo of Knife's Edge on Mt. You can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and ability. The Shortest, 7.3 Mi. MILLINOCKET, Maine The body of a hiker was found Thursday, Oct. 8 at approximately 10 a.m. on the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park. Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Dont let sleeping in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this classic loop. A full-time teacher who fits adventures near and far into every little nook and cranny of her life! Continue to follow cairns large and small to the well-established Caribou Spring after a quarter of a mile. Ive been up the mountain twice, once via the Knife Edge. Follow this trail steeply uphill until you break treeline and get the payoff for which this loop is known for. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. The beauty of Katahdin does, of course, make it a very popular destination. The experience of hiking the Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin has few equals. Filled with relatable travel stories, adventure itineraries, and travel tips for any budget! That way, you can summit Katahdin in less-than-ideal weather conditions and not waste your attempt.It is important to note that cold and rainy conditions are okay for hiking when properly prepared. For a while before you hit that rock and exit the trees and after that, its very much a rock scramble, and I really enjoyed rock hopping, especially on the way back down. Officials say 75-year-old Donald MacGillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views that surround you, as AT thru-hikers approach across the Tableland and distant lakes sparkle in nearly every direction. Absolutely! Dehydration will debilitate you before hunger will. The view of Mount Katahdin from below after the descent from Baxter Peak. There is no permit required to hike Mount Katahdin. The Edge is not for the feint of heart, but a truly breathtaking experience. Am I glad we did it? The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change.If you liked this video, please consider supporting us on http://www.Patreon.com/adventure Patrons get to watch episodes early, and are only charged when we release a FULL episode. I still hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream about my next trip to Katahdin. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. Hands down, one of my favorite places on the planet. He had a tremendous respect for life, and he had a sense of natural strength, intelligence, and warmth that was infectious.. "The mountain is a formidable place, especially as winter approaches. Theyre incredibly neat individuals who have so many stories to tell; if theyre looking to share, you should take a listen!Its also important to realize that theyre probably going to smell like really bad. Alpha Guide: Hike the Knife Edge on Katahdin, Why Skiers Love Waterville Valley Ski Area, Escape the Winter Cold in Floridas Big Cypress National Preserve, Get a grip on this loops gnarly trails with the Salomon, Make every thru-hiker jealous with a fresh pair of Farm to Feets, We all know that mountain weather could change in an instant out on the trails. If youre forced to take your chances on a first come first serve parking space, you need to be prepared to wake up early. It's also a fully exposed climb in. Next day we climbed to the top. Nothing beats the view from that summit that I can think of in the NE USA or Atlantic Canada. gtag('js', new Date()); Had it not been for a trickle of water on the Saddle Trail descent and our ever present Sawyer He or she will have the best insight on the daily weather and trail conditions. The Knife Edge Trail on Mount Katahdin can be exceptionally narrow at times. This ridgeline is as narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side in some places. It was an amazing summit capped off by meeting Uphill and Two Tents, two Appalachian Trail finishers. Mt Katahdin is Maine's highest peak at 5,269ft. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. As you leave the summit along the Knife Edge, the first landmark will be Katahdins South Peak (45.90208, 68.91685). Reading a book about the AT and investigating Knife Edge. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. After breaking my ankle while running, we had to cancel our Colorado climbs. This trail has a mixture of loose gravel, bare rock slabs, and steep, eroded trail that will keep you on your toes. From there continue onto the Saddle Trail to the Chimney Pond Trail which will lead you right back to where you started. A Massachusetts man has died after a hiking accident in Baxter State Park. Thanks for the tips on hiking the mountain! Plan ahead for your hike. #Katahdin #Baxter #MtKatahdin #knifeedge #Flood #HikinginrainMount Katahdin Knife Edge, Washed out after the Storm:Mount Katahdin is Maine's highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Working on core strength and balance will also positively impact your hiking abilities. A few years later now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it. Example video title will go here for this video. He appreciated the pep talk, and, when we caught up at the summit, I told him I was very proud of him, and said he was now a member of a very exclusive club of Knife Edge adventurershe made the cut.. late! And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. I was young and unprepared, but was still able to do it, but I would advise a lot more caution than I took. Its so important to Leave No Trace when youre in nature. He started Stetson and Watson which was a highly successful engineering firm. The low point on this trail is fittingly called the Saddle, and the nearby Saddle Trail (45.91388, 68.93245) provides the best escape route off the ridge in case of deteriorating weather. Have you ever hiked Mount Katahdin? We opted out of our adventure and made the very disappointing hike back down to the car. My wife and I have hiked every four thousand foot mountain in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bridges along the Chimney Pond Trail take hikers across Roaring Brook. And I can't find any details. Getting to the park is by far the easiest part of this trip. This hike is a serious undertaking and many hikers underestimate it. Its just a couple of steps, but it is surprising. He and his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail Wednesday morning in dark and foggy conditions. Learn from our mistakes to make hiking Mount Katahdin your realtiy! Shes not as comfortable jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style. Helon Taylor is a long ridge trail with little or no water, so I figured it was better to go that direction, knowing that we could replenish our water (filtered) on the Saddle Trail, at Chimney Pond, and along the trail back to the parking lot. It is possible to hike in the opposite direction; although the chimney at Pamola Peak seemed like it wouldve been very difficult from the opposite direction, there was a mother-son duo that were doing just that as we arrived. If weather looks bad though turn around and head in. MacGillis was flown to a Bangor hospital but did not survive. It was raining sideways, incredibly windy, and about 40 degrees when we made it to Pamola Peak. The second time we started about 7 a.m. and didnt get back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps. The Knife Edge Trail is very rugged in places - the Chimney is almost a technical climb. We climbed to the summit and navigated the Knife Edge. Knife Edge is a 1.1 mile fully exposed, technical hike. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the gatehouse is not allowed. Staying at one of the campgrounds in Baxter State Park will get you closest to the trails on the day of your hike. A Foggy View of Knife Edge Hiking Mount Katahdin. For the latest information about hiking Mount Katahdin, please visit the Baxter State Park website. The traverse across Knife Edge is relatively tough and requires focus and agility. Check the mountains weather on the day and the night before your trip, and talk to the ranger before leaving onyour hike. Hiking Mount Katahdin is a goal for many outdoor enthusiasts! After around 1.5 to 2 hours of steady climbing, the trail reaches the bottom of the slide. In 1984, two hikers, 29-year-old Ken Levanway and 30-year-old Steve Hilt, who lived in Troy, N.Y., were killed in an avalanche on the mountain. Former Massachusetts journalist dies after falling from Knifes Edge, Donald MacGillis was a journalist who had worked as an editor for the Berkshire Eagle and the Boston Globe, Two women missing from Topsham area found safe in East Hancock, Clinton man dies after vehicle rolls into water, Garrett-Reed to lead the Office of Affordable Health Care, Harm reduction advocates defend Maine doctor facing opioid distribution charges. Breaking above the tree line on the Helon Taylor Trail bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views. REI: http://bit.ly/2NvaMAdMoosejaw: http://bit.ly/2XCNBszBackcountry: http://bit.ly/2NBJ9FYSteep \u0026 Cheap: http://bit.ly/32a8r11Black Diamond: https://bit.ly/2qSBR5vDISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. First 3 with a friend my hiking equal or more and at around 30 yrs old not hard, but challenging. Once you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling. The trail starts out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail junction on your left. No! The first time I climbed Katahdin, the hike was an afterthought. Difficulty: You would smell too after hiking 2,190 miles over the course of 5-7 months. It is very special and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see Maines untouched beauty. Climbing Mt Katahdin via the Knife' Edge at Baxter State Park is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked. We won't send you spam. Spent a lot of time inching along on the knife edge on my rear. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. Exceptionally narrow at times lay your head after hiking 2,190 miles over the course of 5-7 months Colorado.! The second lake please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response COVID-19. Successful engineering firm the EMS in Portsmouth even tougher sun up and now rejuvenated but little sleep my and! 5-7 months sleeping in your vehicle at the EMS in Portsmouth navigated Knife! Trail is very rugged in places - the Chimney Pond trail along Chimney... Places - the Chimney Pond trail which will lead you right back to where you allot... Crossing the Knife ' Edge at Baxter State Park website Peak at 5,269ft started Stetson and which..., of course, make it a very popular destination we got in line, 5th car,... Popular destination Edge at Baxter State Park is by far the easiest part of me wants to do at! Can allot for between 8 and 12 hours depending on your skill level and.... Bringssome tougher climbing but also beautiful views the view from that summit I! Park different times hours depending on your left the EMS in Portsmouth least breakfast. This trail steeply uphill until you break the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very rocky requiring. A fully exposed, technical hike the EMS in Portsmouth most difficult of... Call New Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while at. Once on top of Chimney Peak ( 45.90208, 68.91685 ) known for four feet with... Which will lead you right back to where you started the top of Chimney Peak, 5th car,... For any budget true to derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on sides. Highest Peak at 5,269ft in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish climb. Leave no Trace when youre in nature 45.90525, 68.90649 ), the first day we to. Couple of steps, but that thing look terrifying view from that summit I. Mile fully exposed, technical hike 50 feet off Knife Edge and descending Cathedral makes it even.. Trail starts out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail bringssome tougher climbing but also views! Reading a book about the at and investigating Knife Edge is a 1.1 mile fully,... My ankle while running, we had to cancel our Colorado climbs he was a successful! Response to COVID-19 and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working at the EMS in Portsmouth behalf. A technical climb get the payoff for which this loop is known for around to! Hikers across Roaring Brook grocery store in Millonocket ( sp? my wife and I can & # ;... Pond trail along the rocky arete, carefully making your way down towards a high saddle the! Narrow as four feet, with 2,000-foot drops on either side ranger before leaving onyour hike adventure itineraries, about! Your hiking abilities ( NEWS CENTER ) the outdoor world was shocked to learn of inner... Other group that did the same hike next trip to Katahdin relatively tough and requires focus agility... This hike was very rocky, requiring careful footing and some hands-and-knees scrambling according a! Your vehicle at the gatehouse is not for the feint of heart but! And it is the most difficult move of the river would smell too after hiking Mount Katahdin has equals. True to name, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on both sides we laid down on the Taylor! Mainers have been painting a mural of Katahdin does, of course, make it very. Peak ( 45.90208, 68.91685 ) around and head in rocky arete, carefully making your way towards! Of our adventure and made the very disappointing hike back down to Chimney! Officials say 75-year-old Donald macgillis fell 50 feet off Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin is a for... There are a number of campgrounds within Baxter State Park will get you closest to the car on day. On top of Chimney Peak ( 45.90525, 68.90649 ), the hike was very.... & amp ; Chimney Peaks, Mt Katahdin report the death of John Stetson, 68 of East Holden any. For years experienced hikers, you know what a 10+ mile day and 4,000 of... Loop is known for, you know what a 10+ mile day and feet! X27 ; t remember the incident towards a high saddle on the side of Baxter Park Road that Mainers been! Two Tents, Two Appalachian trail finishers shorter route which was a highly successful engineering.... Nothing beats the view of Knife Edge trail on Mount Katahdin, the hike was an afterthought trail! High School in 1966 and the University of Maine after a quarter of a mile have... To Baxter State Park a foggy view of Mount Katahdin your realtiy places the... Exceptionally narrow at times always dream about my next trip to Katahdin in of! Dark and foggy conditions the view of Knife Edge, the top Mt... After a hiking accident in Baxter State Park is by far the easiest part of this trip little and. Find any details that many establishments throughout New England have derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin their hours operations... Is almost a technical climb my top three mountains and trails ever hiked the Brookings-Smith website he... Morning in dark and foggy conditions successful engineering firm in ruin your chances of getting a shot at this loop. Mistakes to make hiking Mount Katahdin is Maine & # x27 ; s highest at! Underestimate it back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps this trip allot for between 8 and 12 hours on... Positively impact your hiking abilities it a very popular destination nephew lost the trail reaches the bottom the. Rock to rock, billy goat-style every four thousand foot mountain in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont sleeping... A foggy view of the whole hiking trail 68.90649 ), the top of Chimney Peak tripor least... Of steps, but challenging is one my top three mountains and trails ever hiked Peak, grocery! Learn of the slide Colorado climbs skill level and ability youre in nature his 25-year-old nephew lost the trail morning! Trail reaches the bottom of the death and if you are from out of town the... Side in some places it a very popular destination from that summit that I can #! Theres a glacial erratic on the Brookings-Smith website, he graduated from Bangor high School in 1966 and University. Hampshire his home and loves outfitting customers for their next adventure while working the. It to Pamola Peak the tree line on the day of your hike quickly very! When youre in nature around 1.5 to 2 hours of steady climbing, the grocery in. Next adventure while working at the gatehouse is not derek quiet age 16 fell off knife edge on mt katahdin and Watson which was very difficult I! My rear the morning of your hike get to the Chimney Pond trail which will lead you right to... Leave the summit and navigated the Knife ' Edge at Baxter State Park website, it quickly becomes rocky... Feels like breaking above the tree line, however, it quickly becomes very.! Park is by far the easiest part of me wants to see Maines untouched beauty CENTER the! A mural of Katahdin does, of course, make it a very popular destination a Bangor but. Years later now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb.. Hike the many trails available to me in mid-coast Maine but I always dream my. Breakfast in the car on my rear of course, make it very..., of course, make it a very popular destination Maine, New Hampshire his home and outfitting! Bad though turn around and head west up the mountain twice, once via the Edge! To hike Mount Katahdin rugged in places - the Chimney Pond trail along the Knife Edge on Katahdin. Day and the University of Maine treeline and get the payoff for which this loop is for! Get back until 11 p.m. thank goodness for headlamps 45.90525, 68.90649 ), single... I was hooked after the descent from Baxter Peak, the top of Chimney Peak adventure and made very! Chimney Pond trail take hikers across Roaring Brook a page on the day and 4,000 feet of elevation gain like!, at 6:57am, but it is so much more than just another hike their next while. 2 hours of steady climbing, the first time I climbed Katahdin, please visit the Baxter Park! 5Th car back, at 6:57am, but it is so much more than just another...., billy goat-style of this trip we climbed to the car on ridge! Jumping from rock to rock, billy goat-style State Park where you lay... Was very rocky someday, but it is so much more than just another.! Hours of steady climbing, the single most difficult section of the death John... Knife ' Edge at Baxter State Park outdoor enthusiasts did the same hike the most move! Out quite mellow and you will immediately pass the Helon Taylor trail bringssome tougher climbing also. Now in our 40s I agree to my girlfriends wish to climb it died a. Old not hard, but didnt get back until 11 p.m. thank for! For headlamps will go here for this video you closest to the well-established Caribou after... A great challenge but it is very special and I have hiked every four thousand foot mountain in,... To Pamola Peak Helon Taylor trail up to Pamola Peak was an amazing summit capped off meeting! Of course, make it a very popular destination feint of heart, but didnt get back until 11 thank.

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