This is in Baxter State Park with the objective of climbing Katahdin. We considered 2 approaches to the summit: starting at Katahdin Stream trailhead and ascending via the Hunt Trail or at Abol trailhead and ascending that same named trail. The Hunt trail was picked because it is the last section of the AT. 5.2 humbling miles!
And an elevation change of 4000 feet in the most strenuous hike and rock scramble that I’ve ever done. It took us 7 hours to ascend. It was worth every step. Not too bad for a 74 year old. The descent down Abol ,although very difficult , was a tad easier, I thought. Do this hike if you can!! Don’t miss it.
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Étangs merveilleux au sommet avec vue sur le canyon au plus haut point.
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Super montée depuis Davis Pond pour aboutir sur un superbe plateau.
Randonnée sur la crête magnifique!
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Excellent hike. Abol trail both ways. Big rock scrambles near the top. Windy/rainy at Baxter Peak.
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This is an extremely hard hiking you are not in good shape, the trail never gets easy, for the knife edge trail you climb the whole time, carry only what you need, carry a lot of water, my advice is if have even a drop of doubt about whether you can make or not after 30 min in the cathedral trail up, turn around. After all this, the trail worth every single second on the route.
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Great view at top and amazing song birds in the woods. Saw some moose scat. BUT this is not moderate from Kidney pond to peak, it is hard. It is basically rock climbing the last 400-600 feet of elevation. (the "other app" shows I "hiked" (more like rock climbed) a 60% grade in the final ascent) On the day I hiked I did not feel comfortable going back DOWN to Kidney pond on the wet rocks, so I changed plans mid-hike and made it a through hike to Nesowednunk campsite which was a much easier descent.
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absolutely stunning trail! Not for those scared of heights, as there are a few spots whete one needs to scramble. Gorgeous view today.
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We hiked this trail the morning of 9/15/2020, and found it moderately strenuous. I would not say it is actually an easy trail, though this is subjective, but it's less long and demanding than the Hunt Trail on Katahdin. The day was quite cool (low 40s Fahrenheit), and hazy due to the fine ash transported across the continent from wildfires on the Western US coast, which caused the sky to be a dull grey rather than a clear blue, despite the lack of clouds. Going by Sandy Stream Pond, we checked out the viewpoints for moose. No luck, though my husband spotted a beaver swimming before it dove. When we got to the treeline, the wind was probably around 15-20mph, so we donned fleeces, windbreakers, gloves and neck warmers. Views of Katahdin and the mountains were good except for the high haze. We were surprised to see lots of bluejays or Canadian jays (they were flying too fast for a definitive ID) migrating South by going right over the summit. Had a second breakfast in a sheltered spot on the trail a bit below the top, and returned down, still finding no moose at the pond. We were done by 10:45am, just under 4 hours.
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This is a challenging, strenuous hike for the average person, and you need to be prepared for climbing and scrambling over rocks, for decreasing temperatures as you get above the tree line, and the possibility of cold, foul weather on the top of the mountain. We climbed the route up the Hunt Trail on an early September day, and while the beginning of the hike was warm, once we got to the top the wind was fierce (c. 30-40mph) and clouds were being pushed up over the mountain limiting sun. We were prepared with long pants, fleece jackets and raincoats for windbreakers, but other hikers were dressed inadequately in shorts, and were cold. Make sure you have 2L of water for a cool day, more for a hot day, and adequate food, as well as a first aid kit, pocket knife and flashlights. No cell reception for Verizon or AT&T were to be had at any point of the trails. You likely cannot call for help with a regular cell phone. Climbing Down Abol is also strenuous and needs to be done with care to avoid injury. Last 2 miles along the road are easy, but you are likely to be tired. Watch out for crazy drivers ignoring the park speed limits.
Nice views of the Owl and Katahdin Stream Falls on the way up. Views from Baxter Peak were fabulous: amazing lenticular clouds and sheer rocky cliffs and jagged boulders, but the alpine tundra of the Tablelands around Thoreau Spring is beautiful in its own austere way.
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Very strenuous. Demanding hike up Hunt Trail with lots of scrambling up rocks and boulders. Potentially outstanding views, depending on weather. Descent down Abol Trail is very steep, potentially treacherous. Worthwhile route in good conditions.
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absolutely stunning trail! Not for those scared of heights, as there are a few spots whete one needs to scramble. Gorgeous view today.
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Some of the steepest, hardest hiking I’ve ever done in my life. The descent was even more nerve racking!!
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A very scenic and fairly easy hike. Lots of water and waterfalls, views of the surrounding mountains, and small lakes and bogs. Thoroughly enjoyable!
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