How to Successfully Summit Mount Katahdin

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“Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine

Mount Katahdin, translated to “Greatest Mountain”, was my first big climb. Regardless, it does take some preparation and looking back now there are things I could have done differently. There are also some general logistics to consider and some planning involved to make your summit a successful one.

Getting there and staying

Located in the northern part of Maine, the closest town, just 17 miles from the park, is Millinocket. It’s a great spot as your last fill up for any gear or food you may need. Most people, however, will drive in taking advantage of the many campgrounds within the 209,644 acres of park.

You will need to make reservations for camping, no matter which trail you are taking, well in advance. You can tent or reserve a lean-to. If you are driving into the park, there is a $14 non-resident fee per car. Keep in mind that visitor numbers are tightly controlled and the park only allows a certain number of people in per day.

I would recommend reserving a campsite, because it’s a long hiking day to the summit and back. We started our hike in the early morning hours, around 3AM, to ensure we had plenty of time to summit and get back before it got dark again.

So, bring a flashlight for those first couple hours of hiking, which is arguably the easiest part of the trail, before you get into the steep, more technical sections higher up the mountain.

Weather

The weather on the mountain can be extremely unpredictable. Even in the middle of the summer. During my climb, we met two hikers on their way off the mountain in the early morning hours. They had been stranded on the top thanks to some snow and hail that hit them the previous day.

Luckily, we had beautiful weather all throughout our hike, but the summit and even sections on route to the top are very exposed. The clouds, as we all know, like to hang out around mountain tops, creating their own weather patterns.

When you arrive to the camping area at the base of the mountain keep an eye on their weather updates and plan your trek accordingly. Plan for an 8-12-hour hike, during which weather and temperatures can change quickly.

Gear

It may not be one of the seven summits but it is still a challenge. One that will take you the majority of the day. Therefore, going prepared will only breed a higher chance of success.

Pack

Go as light as possible. I know for you more experienced backpackers you get it. You don’t need to be told this. I was so naïve when I hiked this trail. I took the only pack I had, which was not the best option on the market (it was cheap, I was a student with no money).

Try to set yourself up for success and don’t overburden yourself with a heavy pack. The trail is hard enough on its own.

Food and water

It’s going to take you 8-12 hours to do this whole thing, there and back. So, make sure you have energy dense foods to get you through and enough water to stay hydrated. On most trails there are little to no water sources so you need to pack enough for the entire trip.

Clothing

The weather is unpredictable and the majority of trails are very exposed, so make sure you have various layers with you. I know it can add weight to your pack but it can be cold on the top and extremely hot on the way up, if you are going during the June-August season (which is the best time of year to attempt the climb).

Safety

This might not be in the ranks of the 7 summits, but don’t be stupid. It’s not ranked extremely strenuous and difficult for fun. There are boulders fields to climb and the possibility of going off trail if you’re not careful (this happened to me in the boulder field).

Bring a first-aid kit, you can purchase small, light-weight ones at various retail outlets, like REI. Know your limitations. Follow the blazes. Stay mindful and aware while you are hiking, don’t just go into autopilot and lose sight of where you are and what’s around you.

Miscellaneous

Don’t forget the little things, like sunscreen and bug spray. Maine is notorious for mosquitos and black flies and you will feel like you are being eaten alive. And because most of these trails are so exposed, make sure to protect your skin from the sun. Bring a hat to protect that precious skin on top of your head. If you are anything like me, this is the first place I burn.

Intensity and fitness

I climbed Katahdin without any prior preparation. Honestly, I kind of did it on a whim, having never done anything like it before. I made it, but there were definitely times when I questioned my sanity. And I couldn’t walk for days after.

If you are able, I would recommend doing some local hikes in your own area of varying difficulty to build up those hiking muscles. If you are part of a gym some of the best exercises you can do include squats (as much as I hate those) and the stair climber (I also hate this).

Katahdin is no joke. Depending on the trail you choose you could be hiking around 3 miles with an elevation gain on average of 4,000 feet in mostly exposed conditions. It’s rocky, strenuous and extremely difficult. Not something you should take lightly, otherwise you put yourself at risk of serious injury.

Trail options

There are 220 miles of trail within the 209,644 acres of Baxter State Park, 16% of which are on Katahdin. There are 9 trail options for reaching the summit, including the knife’s edge trail. This 1.1-mile trail scares the bejesus out of me with steep drops on either side of the trail along the ridge of the mountain. If you get vertigo, this trail is not for you.

We took the Hunt trail from Katahdin Stream Campground. This is one of the most popular trails to the summit, with spectacular views. A total of 5.2 miles and an elevation gain of 4,188-ft you pass through a multitude of features, including the Boulders on Hunt Spur and the Tableland. 2.4-miles of this trail is above the tree line, giving you some of the best views of any trail.

If you are looking for the shortest route to the top you will want to take the Abol Trail. 4.4 miles long (with 1 mile of that on the Hunt Trail) and an elevation gain of 3,982-ft this trail is still very strenuous and very exposed. Make sure you plan accordingly.

For the most gradual ascent you will want to take the Saddle Trail. While the other trails are labeled “extremely strenuous” this one is “strenuous” if that gives you any comfort.

Other potential trails include Helon Taylor, Dudley (which is closed at the time of writing this), Cathedral, Hamlin Ridge, and Chimney Pond.

No matter which you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible adventure, with fantastic views and a serious challenge. Which trail did you take? What are your recommendations?