3 Day: Knife Edge & Katahdin Hike

Dates

August 13 - 16: The end of summer is near. Lush forests, warm weather, and decent night sky viewing. This time of the year still has approximately 14 hours of daylight which still allows for an excellent window for a successful summit. The average high is in the upper 70s. The average low is in the mid 50s. Heat waves in the 80s/90s are possible.

Itinerary

Day 1: 7:45 - 8:15 a.m. pick up from Bangor (Airport, hotel, car rental, or bus stop). We recommend flying into Bangor the day prior so that you are well rested. If you are driving to us, you must check-in at the Outfitters by 9:30 a.m. Our trip begins at 9:45 a.m. with a mandatory meet and greet with trip briefing. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. we will get organized, distribute food & rentals, and have lunch. 1:30 p.m departure for the Roaring Brook Trailhead. We will hike 3.3 miles along the Chimney Pond Trail to the remote Chimney Pond Campground. The estimated elevation gain is 1425 feet. This is a moderate hike with roots, rocks, and stone steps in the trail. We plan to reserve the bunkhouse for this trip, however, if that is not possible we will stay in a pair of lean-tos.

Day 2: We will ascend the 1.9 mile Dudley Trail to Pamola Peak, gaining approximately 1988 feet in elevation. The Dudley Trail contains a massive boulder field and can take 3+ hours to ascend. From Pamola Peak we will begin the 1.1 mile hike across the famous Knife Edge to Baxter Peak, gaining approximately 365 feet. The Knife Edge is made up of multiple steep climbs/descents over boulders and along narrow ridges. It takes on average 1.5 - 2.5 hours to cross. Once at Baxter Peak we will have reached the summit of Katahdin. From Baxter Peak we will descend 2.2 miles along the Saddle Trail back to Chimney Pond Campground, dropping an estimated 2353 feet in elevation. Expect the descent to take approximately 2-3 hours. This day is a very strenuous hike and for many hikers it is the most difficult day of hiking they have ever completed. Overall, we anticipate the group to take 7-10 hours to complete this Hike.

Day 3: We will depart from Chimney Pond Campground sometime in the morning and begin the 3.3 mile descent along the Chimney Pond Trail, dropping an estimated 1425 feet in elevation. The shuttle will pick us up from the Roaring Brook Trailhead at 1:00 p.m. We will stop at Golden Road Crossing for souvenir browsing and lunch/snacks on the ride back. Our arrival at the Hostel & Outfitters will be 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. We will have a celebratory group dinner in the evening.

Free Day: Used to adjust the trip, if necessary, due to weather related concerns.

Departure Day: 9:00 a.m. departure shuttle to Bangor (Airport, hotel, car rental, or bus stop). 10:00 a.m. check out for those who drove themselves.

POOR WEATHER ALTERNATE:

This trip is four days (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Free Day) plus Departure Day. If forecasted weather presents unsafe conditions for our scheduled Knife Edge and summit day, Free Day will be on the first day of the trip, and Day 1-3 will follow. If forecasted weather presents safe conditions for our scheduled Knife Edge and summit day, Day 1-3 will occur as scheduled and Free Day will be on the fourth day of the trip. This 3 day trip has a 4 day commitment, to account for potential weather issues.

Trip Information

The goal of this trip is to give the best possible chance at both a Katahdin summit and crossing the Knife Edge.

The serene and picturesque Chimney Pond Campground will be our basecamp as we make our attempt.

This is a fully guided trip. We provide an experienced registered Maine guide on this trip. The guide will lead the group and provide assistance as needed. Throughout the day, they will discuss the history of the area and intriguing topics with the group.

We will have camp actives in the evening for those who want to participate.

Most meals are provided, snacks are not. Snacks can be purchased from the Outfitters.

While we hope to book the bunkhouse, each participant should be prepared for the possibility of sleeping in a lean-to.

Lodging

Lodging is provided through Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitters.

Lodging on the first and final night of the trip will be a private room in the Hostel. The kitchen, bathroom, and shower are communal.

A coin-operated washer & dryer is located on-site. Change and house-made detergent are available at the Outfitters.

Linens, pillows, comforters, towels, shampoo, conditioner, loaner clothes, and coffee are included with your stay.

Please refer to Rooms & Rates for more details.

Pricing

Included: transportation to & from Bangor, transportation to & from Baxter State Park, campground fees, two nights at the Hostel, two breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, our fees, and guide fees. Prices are in USD.

Not included: any other transportation, any other accommodations, trip insurance, snacks & electrolytes, and optional gratuity for the shuttle drivers, hostel staff, and guide.

The shared accommodation rate is for couples, family members, or friends who want to share a room.

3 Day: Knife Edge & Katahdin Hike with shared accommodations: $805.00 plus $3.60 for 9% Maine lodging tax

3 Day: Knife Edge & Katahdin Hike with private accommodations: $845.00 plus $6.30 for 9% Maine lodging tax

Booking & Cancellation Policy

The deposit is 25% of your trip cost and is required at booking. The deposit is included in the total trip price.

The remaining 75% is due 90 days prior to the start of your trip. This is to ensure you are committed to the trip.

We can accommodate up to eight participants. While we expect this trip to fill up, it should be noted that we do require a minimum of three participants to cover the cost of operating this trip. If less than three participants have registered by the due date, those who have booked this trip will have the option to either cover the additional costs so that the trip may proceed or cancel their trip and receive a refund, minus processing fees.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Domestic (US) - Cancellation fee

  • 90+ days - Deposit may be applied toward another trip, within one year, based on availability.

  • 60-89 days - 100% of deposit

  • 30-59 days - 50% of total trip cost

  • 29 days or less - 100% of total trip cost

Please understand that a guided trip takes time and advance notice to plan and execute. We may turn away other customers in order to hold your reservation. Our policy is not meant to be punitive, however, we plan far in advance to make these trips a possibility. At the time of the due date, funds have already been used in preparation for your upcoming trip. For this reason, we strictly adhere to our cancellation policy. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to help cover any unforeseen circumstance that may lead to you canceling after the due date.

To qualify for refunds, you must notify us in writing, by email, to info@katahdinadventureco.com.

Katahdin Adventure Company reserves the right to alter or cancel trips and determine refund amounts at its sole discretion.

Disclaimer

While this is a fully guided trip, all participants must be capable of covering the distances mentioned in the itinerary. Each participant should be in reasonably good hiking shape. Each participant will be required to carry all necessary supplies and gear for their safety and enjoyment. There is a list of essential items the guide requires you have with you. We will send the list and relevant information at booking. If you lack any of the required items, they can be rented or purchased from our Outfitters.

The guide will provide information & on-trail assistance, administer first aid if needed, set the pace, lead the group, and determine the safest course of action throughout the entire trip. The guide has full control over the trip and has the authority to make changes to the itinerary as deemed necessary.

This is not a beginner trip. This is an intermediate level trip that involves moments of advanced level hiking and moderate climbing. It is each participants responsibility to research the routes we will cover and train appropriately for this trip, in advance. If the guide determines that your performance may hinder the overall success of the group or put you at risk, you may not be allowed to summit Katahdin or cross the Knife Edge. Showing up unprepared may result in you being dismissed from the trip. There will be no refunds if you are dismissed. You will receive training recommendations after booking your trip.

While we will do everything we can to provide a safe climb over the Knife Edge, we do not have any control over the weather. We have allotted a two day window for crossing the Knife Edge and reaching the summit. In the unlikely event that we are unable to safely cross the Knife Edge, we will have to opt for a safer hike and make the best of the trip. We can not offer refunds due to weather. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance.

Get in touch.

If you are interested in participating in our trip, please reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you register.

August 13-16, 2026: 7 of 8 spots remaining

Dates are proposed and based on the ability to obtain highly competitive Chimney Pond reservations. Dates may need to be shifted once reservations are acquired.