Trails Used

Abol Trail, Hunt Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A FINE morning in the forest was had. Initial clicking of many new trail conditions for the 2026-2027 season. Left at 2:50am to get up for celestial dawn. Winds extremely spicy above 2500' from day before. Above 4000 snow, ice, rime ice enter along alpine section of Abol Trail. Upon attaining the Table Lands, rime ice, snow, and ice completely covered virtually all surfaces. Winds as mentioned extremely spicy, gusts would give you a boost if you weren't planted. Still was "warm" ish at about 30F before chills. Navigation was a bit challenging but I have done this trail many times in the dark. Spikes on at Thoreau Springs to same point upon return. Treated to a very beautiful and colorful sunrise. Windbreak at summit cairn was clutch, but a bit nerve wracking with almost all layers and gear needed to attain summit. What will be a normal day in February is a bit exhilarating now as my blood is not motor oil and I'm not used to the cold yet. Several turn backs, I also never understand how people are not stopped by a ranger for not carrying a pack - especially given the conditions. Very short summit window, rained after this off and on all day. Back at camp by 9 and curled up in front of the wood stove for the rest of the day

Parking

Plenty of parking with an alpine start

Water Crossings

No issues

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Roaring Brook, Chimney Pond, Dudley, Knife Edge, Saddle

Trail Conditions

Notes

This is a challenging and rewarding hike. I think it is 14.2 miles and 5,500' gain. It was a perfect weather day. I hung around and took my time preparing because in Baxter, it seems that most hikers start hiking at the same time, especially day use hikers. I also wanted to wait for the air to warm up a bit. The top half of the Dudley Trail is a very steep boulder climb. The section between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak is almost a technical climb, and it's not uncommom for a hiker to freeze and cause a traffic jam. This is one of the very best above treeline hikes in the northeast.

Parking

By reservation only, if not camping in the park. And if you have a reservation, you still need to be at the gate before your reservation expires at 7:05am.

Water Crossings

none

Wildlife

none

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Chimney Pond Trail, Saddle Trail, Northwest Basin Trail, Hamlin Ridge Trail, North Basin Trail, North Basin Cutoff,

Trail Conditions

Notes

Stellar sunny day with strong cooling/bug zapping wind up high. Entire fam’s first time on Katahdin did not disappoint. Saddle trail is fun and direct from pond. Short slide section isn’t bad at all. Like a more tame South Tripyramid slide for a few tenths. Hamlin Ridge descent was stunningly beautiful but equally brutal with sustained rough footing/talus that seemed to go on forever. This is a wonderful route if looking to bag these two peaks together!

Parking

Got aggressively yelled at by a ranger for doing the speed limit. so drive real slow I guess!

Water Crossings

Easy rock hops

Wildlife

Voracious below tree line on the descent. Too windy up high for them