Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Katahdin, Knife Edge, Baxter State Park
: Maine's most spectacular
trail is also one of its most dangerous; not merely due to the precipitous
drops of up to 1,500 feet from this narrow arête, but because of the expo-
sure climbers face if the weather turns ugly - a frequent occurence in any
month.
The Knife Edge, which must be accessed from any number of other trails
in the area, runs from Pamola Peak to Baxter Peak over a series of saw-
tooth ridges. In some places it is only six feet wide with sheer drop-offs.
In many places hikers must use their hands
to ascend or descend near-vertical sections.
Take care, as there are precious few places
where a misstep would not end in calamity.
The actual Knife Edge is only about a mile long but can take two hours or
longer to traverse depending on conditions and the number of users (hik-
ers must frequently wait for others to safely pass in narrow sections).
Most hikers prefer to ascend over the Knife Edge and return to their start
by other trails, although travel in either direction is possible.
There are no shortcuts. In the past, those who
thought a slope looked like an easy alternate
route soon discovered their folly. Many have
died after falling off or becoming stranded
near the Knife Edge.
Kayaking
South Branch Pond
. Nestled between high mountains in the northern
reaches of Baxter State Park, South Branch Pond is one of the most beau-
tiful lakes in Maine. And, best of all, there are rentable lean-tos right on
the water's edge. Access is from the campground at the north end of the
lake reachable on a side road off the Baxter State Park Perimeter Road.
You will share the shoreline with moose and deer as you paddle the 1½-
mile length of this lake. Hiking trails at the south end lead to upper
South Branch Pond and to a waterfall on Howe Brook.
You can bring you own boat or rent an aluminum canoe from the ranger.
Fees
Bunkhouse spots go for $7 per night, per person. In most cases three or
four parties will be sharing. Lean-tos cost $6 per night, per person. Most
lean-tos sleep four (but at less than 10-feet wide, things will be tight!)
Tent space is $6 per night, per person. Most sites have restrictions on the
number of tents allowed (on backcountry sites it is two tents).
