Maine's proudest sight, the Mount Katahdin, draws hikers and adventurers from across the globe! Perceived as a gift to the people of Maine by nature, Katahdin is at the center of the Baxter State Park.
The Name
The Penobscot American Indians named the mountain Katahdin which means 'The Greatest Mountain', owing to its incredible altitude!
There's a deep connection between the Penobscot tribe and the Katahdin! The tribe describes the mountain to be symbolic to a place of birth, beginning of life and spiritual enlightenment.
The Legend
The Penobscot tribe believed that an evil spirit named Pamola resided on the mountain. The spirit was often depicted as a giant bird-like creature that had the head of a moose! The tribe believed that if they summited the mountain, they would be killed or eaten by the giant.
The First Summit
The Massachusetts surveyors Zackrey Adley and Charles Turner Jr. were the first to climb the mountain in August 1804. Also, Henry David climbed Katahdin in 1804 which is recorded in a chapter of the Maine Woods.
Easiest Trail
The Saddle Trail is known to be the simplest of the trails that is suitable for beginners!
There are well-marked resting spots across the trail such as Basin Ponds and Chimney Pond. You can also reach the Tableland which is about a mile from the summit and enjoy the view!
The Abol Trail is the shortest trail from the trailhead to the summit, however, there are a few steep pitches along the route.
Difficult Trail
With only 365 feet elevation and 1.1 miles in length, the Knife Trail is considered to be a tough hike, considering the extreme conditions. Usually, the hikers are advised not to leave the ridge and to keep moving in one direction only!
The hike starts at the Pamola Peak, with steep descent followed by an extremely steep ascent which is more of a tactical climb before the trail finally flattens into a rolling ridge of rocks!