Katahdin

Roaring Brook

First look, Hamlin Peak

Roaring Brook Trail

From Basin Pond

Really, no easy way to the summit

Katahdin

Chipmunk with a sweet tooth

This could be out west, right?

Base camp

I'll remember this trail for awhile

A fairly steep trail

Johnny Rocket negotiating the rocks

The first Cathedral

The Rocket on the second Cathedral

A view of the Knife Edge

The Rocket resting on the second Cathedral

Chimney Pond

Hamlin Peak

Close up of Knife Edge.  Pamola Peak(left) & The Chimney (right)

Coe, South Brother, North Brother with the Tableland in the forground

Mountains have their own weather

Knife Edge

Full view of the knife edge

Katahdin.  That's all that really needs to said.  Named by the Penobscot Indians "The Greatest Mountain", it is known as "the one true mountain" in the eastern U.S.  Located at the northern terminus of the A.T., it is a fitting end to one's 2,000 mile walk from Georgia.

When Johnny Rocket asked me about heading to Maine to hike Katahdin, I said yes.  Soon after I regretted the decision, since I have this romantic idea of hiking to its summit after completing the A.T.  Chris Hiker attempted the A.T. in 2004, only to be defeated mentally by the heat and loss of weight.  I soon got of this romantic idea.  What I've really enjoyed most about getting out in the Hudson Valley, is seeing the same places from different perspectives.  If I'm ever fortunate to get another chance to do the entire A.T., it will be awesome to see Katahdin again under those circumstances.

The day looked great from the get go.  We showed up just in time as to not lose our reservation to Roaring Brook Parking Lot.  There is a ranger station at the lot, informing hikers of where to be and when to be there.  On this day, you could not leave Chimney Pond for the summit after 1pm.  The ranget station had a mold of the mountain, which gave a better idea of what's to come than the guide book.

The first 3 miles of trail to Chimney Pond ascended under 1,000 feet.  We followed the Roaring Brook, with its many drops.  The trail went into a beautiful forest, reminiscent of the Adirondacks.  I took a quick break at the Basin Ponds, which provide some awesome views.  The Knife Edge, the summit and Hamlin Peak are all within view.  They rise straight up, so much so, it's hard to believe there are trails going up.

Finally, I made it to Chimney Pond where there are plenty of options for the summit.  Here I sat and ate with some other hikers.  There are some friendly chipmunks looking for a handout.  One of them got a piece of chocolate.

From here we took the Cathedral Trail.  There's an old saying about the Catskills which goes something like this:  "Can you tell me where the Catskills are?"  "It's the place where there are two stones for every dirt."  I would describe the Cathedral Trails as, "It's the place with just stones.  Large stones.  And no dirt."

While ascending I commented to one of the young guys I was going up with, "This is some trail, huh?"  He responded, "Trail?"  The only trail I've been on that is comparable is the Sphinx Trail (which descends from the col between Mt Washington and Jefferson).  Hands were necessary from the start.  Big rock, after big rock had to be negotiated.  The climbing never relented.  So that 22 miles from yesterday would be felt the entire way.  The trail would climb 2,500 feet in less than 2 miles.  No joke.

Having said all that,  you really couldn't find a better trail to stop and take breaks on.  Close up views of Hamlin and the Knife edge could be had.  Great views of Chimney Pond and the Basin Ponds opened up the further on you went.  A magnificent day to be out.

We eventually made it to the summit.  I met Stats and Cave Man after completing the 2,000 miles from Georgia.  A couple young girls I walked with for a bit up to Chimney Pond, couldn't believe it.  "No way, that's impossible," they exclaimed.  Chatting with them definitely rekindled the flame of the A.T. for me.

I then walked around the summit, taking in the views.  I noticed the wind kicking up and  plenty of dark clouds with a few drops of rain, hoping it holds off just in time to get across the Knife Edge.  Looking over at the Knife Edge from the summit, I thought that it was similar to the Tetons.  I commented to a woman from Montana that, "Katahdin is considered the one true mountain in the east."  She said, "This reminds me of home."