Maine – Katahdin (Baxter Peak) – 5,268′ – 6/4/14 HP#16

I would like to thank my employer for sending me to all reaches of the US – so far this year I have been able to conquer 5 state highpoints that were close to the facilities that I was visiting. Mt Katahdin in Maine was one of those. The day was dreary and the forecast indicated rain but I went ahead and drove to the Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park.

This photo shows the Knife Edge Route - with the rain and questionable weather that route didn't seem to be a smart option for me!
This photo shows the Knife Edge Route – with the rain and questionable weather that route didn’t seem to be a smart option for me!

Due to the late season snow melt off the Hunt Trail that I took had only opened up 2 days prior so my timing was impeccable! It was a 10.4 mile roundtrip that included quite a bit of Class III scrambling (hands and knees) over huge granite boulder fields. It was cold and windy at the top but the rain held off until I started down. I was happy that the rental car had heated seats so that could dry off a little on my way to Houlton, ME, where my next audit was.

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Beautiful lush forest for the first 2 miles of the trail - because it was raining the black flies were held at bay.
Beautiful lush forest for the first 2 miles of the trail – because it was raining the black flies were held at bay.
I saw numerous flowers including this bi-colored trillium on the way up.
I saw numerous flowers including this bi-colored trillium on the way up.
Class III scrambling - this wasn't too bad going up but coming down the knees were screamin'.
Class III scrambling – this wasn’t too bad going up but coming down the knees were screamin’.
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From the summit looking back on the trail at the weather rolling in.
From the summit looking back on the trail at the weather rolling in.
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Mt. Katahdin is either the start or the end of the Appalachian trail, depending on which way you are going - Mt. Katahdin is the northernmost point on the trail.
Mt. Katahdin is either the start or the end of the Appalachian trail, depending on which way you are going – Mt. Katahdin is the northernmost point on the trail.
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Kathadin

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