There are many different ways to the summit of Katahdin, "the greatest mountain", anglicized to Baxter Peak. The Saddle Trail is probably the most accessible. And the Hunt Trail aka the Appalachian Trail is probably the most famous. (Baxter Peak is the northern terminus of the AT).
But none compare to the Knife's Edge.
The Enife's Edge is a thin ridgeline trail that eventually deposits you on the summit of Katahdin. It starts on nearby Paloma Peak and scrambles up and over Chimney and South Peaks on the way to Katahdin's summit. It's a 3 trail with a couple of very short sections of simple 4th-class climbing. It may not be the most direct line to the summit, but it's easily the most exposed and exciting way.
IMO, for folks with adequate scrambling experience or a technical rock climbing background, the Knife's Edge is the only way to the summit of Katahdin. From there, you can descend the trail that makes the most sense for you/your trip. In most cases, if you come up the Knife's Edge on a day hike, you'll be heading back to the Roaring Brook trailhead via Chimney Pond. If you are backpacking, you can head straight to your campsite in Chimney Pond.
Curious to read more? I wrote a little trip report about an attempted climb on Katahdin.
Whitney on the Knife's Edge, looking southeast toward Chimney and Paloma Peak.
Teddy on the Knife's edge, looking northwest toward South Peak
P.s. can you spot the other climber in the photos?
Awesome pics!
This one has been on my hit-list for awhile. Love the enthusiasm for this trail, has me itching to get out there and get after it asap!
SEND IT
@callmethebreeze whenever you think it'll be a possibility for you, I recommend planning ahead. Baxter State Park is a heavily controlled, reservation-based system. We made our reservations for the Chimney Pond campground 4 months in advance. The day use reservations are slightly less coveted but still, plan ahead. In fact, this month I am booking again for September of this year.