Katahdin for Dummies (help us)

[percious]

Personally, I liked doing Pamola and Knife's edge first. This gets the hard part out of the way, and then you just enjoy the panorama from Baxter, with a quick hike down the saddle trail. Everyone that we passed going in the other direction looked like they were worn out from the ordeal.

About the Knife.
Knowing what your kids have already done, I wouldn't worry about it. There are some tricky sections on the Pamola side that require some down-climbing, but kids are usually monkey-like anyway. Just make sure to heed the weather conditions as posted at Chimney Pond. It always seemed like the wind kicked up when I had one of those dare-devil moves... Most of the tough stuff can be "crab-walked," but I couldn't get myself to crawl. There were probably 3 or 4 steps that were dangerous in all.

-percious

 

[DougPaul]

Awesome info.................... thanks. I've been looking at pictures. Damn, may have to throw an extra pair of undies in the pack It's look a touch scary in spots. I sure hope I don't freeze up.

No need (travel light ). The ridge is easy if you stay on the trail (usually right on the crest of the ridge--it is wide enough to walk.) You might need to use your hands getting in and out of Chimney Notch.

First time I did it was in the rain (up Dudley Tr, down Saddle). Second time was winter from Abol Slide Tr--we did use crampons and belayed the Baxter side of the Notch (easy mixed climb)--otherwise just a spectacular walk.

Also, Is is better Go up to baxter, or Down to Pamola? I personally prefer looking up to blue sky then bown to where my body will land when negotiating scary stuff.

The ridge is pretty level. IMO, doesn't matter. Nice either way. And if you do an out-and-back, you will get to compare them.

Doug

 

[Mike P.]

On a weekend with I'd go up Hamlin & down KE (have done the loop once other way which put us on Baxter Peak with everyone else, later we had Hamlin to our selves so maybe not a bad thing) Walk back little bit from Hamlin/Chimney Pond Trail to Chimney Pond, well worth it.

On a Weekday & not sure you want to do Hamlin then up Helon Taylor or Dudley is way to go if you want to do KE & Baxter Peak. Easiest way down is Chimney. Considering how ungodly the 750 mile drive is (last BSP trip I started in Caribou, drove South to BSP, hiked for many hours then drove to SE CT which was less driving than 1st BSP trip) you want to make sure you get a Roaring Brook spot, I'd shot at getting to the gate no later than 5:00AM.

 

[BorealChickadee]

Your kids will do fine. My older son climbed Katahdin just after his 5th birthday and I took my younger son up when he was 10. Except for an occasional spot that they need help reaching climbing over a boulder or blowing away in the wind kids seem to always do so much better. The then 5 year old came down and rode his bike while I soaked towels in the stream for ice water on my knees. Yeah and I was 20 some years younger back then.

 

[vegematic]

I've done the Knife's Edge in both directions and really prefer going from Pamola to Baxter. You get the tricky move (the chimney) behind you right away and you will generally ascend, which I find much easier than descending on ledgy trail.

I've also accompanied 10-12 year old kids and they do fine. It seems that their smaller hands and feet make up for what they don't have in height. They are able to easily use smaller holds than I can get my fingers and boots on.

Have fun! It's a blast. If you ascend by the Helon Taylor trail you get some great appetite-whetting views of the chimney and the rest of the arete.
-veg

 

[SherpaKroto]

I'm with percious on this. If you go up Helon Taylor, you will cross one spring. If up Chimney to Dudley, water is plentiful. I absolutely love hiking up to Chimney Pond (and got to sleep on it this winter under the stars!!!). Dudley will also have you going by Index rock/Pamola's Finger to the summit of Pamola where you will drop down to the col between it and Chimney Peak, the most technical portion of the hike. Knife Edge is awesome! Hamlin ridge nearly it's equal. FWIW, Helon Taylor ties with Abol as my least favorite trails on Baxter Peak (but that's like saying that coffee is my least favorite ice cream).

To your original questions:
1) no, you are not being an idiot to bring your kids there. They will talk about this trip for the rest of their lives
2) 750 miles? I'd be sitting in line at 4:00 AM. If you are early, you get to spend more time on the mountain. But first and foremost: you get on the mountain!

One other thought: if you have some flexibility for extending the trip by a day, call ahead 10 days before to see if there is any space at Roaring Brook or Avalanche Field. Then you could be in the Park the night before, relax, and get an early start.

 

[Skyclimber]

Tim you will absolutely love Katahdin. It was my dream mountain too, in the early '90's. It is truly beyond anything you will ever see, being totally unique. It is the most awesome mountain outside of the Adirondacks, I have ever seen. We went up the Abol Slide, challenging and steep. The Tablelands are fascinating. However I only made it to South Peak with my girls when trying the Knife's Edge. For us, it wasn't for us. However my former husband did climb to Pamola and back. He loved the experience.

You don't want to miss, night visits to Sandy Pond. The Moose "hung" out there every night. The first evening, I was excited to see one. I tried to get to close, for a picture and it started to chase me. Luckily, it turned away, in the opposite direction, quickly from me. Only trying to put in a scare.

Anyway have a great trip. It will be long remembered.