Heading to Maine (BSP & Moosehead) , in need of some inf

Hi! This is my first time posting here. Nice to meet all of you! Before I get into my questions, here is a little information about me......

I've been hiking for about 10 years, but started hiking more challenging trails within the past five years. I've done a lot of hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains (about 200 miles total), and have hiked quite a few of the difficult hikes in the park. My longest one day hike was 20 miles. I've hiked a little bit in New England - a couple of trails near Stowe, VT (Smuggler's Notch area) . I'm in decent shape, but I haven't been regularly working out recently and I definitely need to lose 10 pounds and start doing some cardio workouts before heading to Maine.

This is my first hiking trip to Maine, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be going the first week in October - I know that's an "iffy" time to go weather-wise, but it's the soonest I can make it there. I'm hoping to see some nice fall foliage and hike Katahdin. I'll be staying in Millinocket for four nights and then in Greenville near Moosehead Lake for three nights. I'll be disappointed if we can't hike Katahdin for whatever reason, but I know that the scenery alone will be well worth the trip.

I just ordered three hiking books from Amazon - 50 Hikes in the Maine Mountians, Maine Mountain Guide, and Katahdin: A Guide to Baxter Park & Katahdin.

Now onto my questions.......

What are my chances of being able to hike Katahdin the first week in October? Will I have to cross the knife edge to get to the summit of Katahdin (I'm not so sure that I want to do the knife edge, it looks a litle scary)

Any recommendations for hikes to the summit of Katahdin? What about other hikes in the area, anything that is a must? I'm guessing that I should pack wool sweaters and lots of warm clothing. Is a down jacket overkill?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for hikes in the Moosehead Lake area, please tell me.

Thanks so much!
luv 2 hike

[MtnMagic]

I've never hiked BSP or Katahdin. Hold on a few minutes and those that know will chime in.
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Welcome to the boards!

[Charlie Schuessler]

Katahdin, ahhhhhhh....we enjoyed that slice of heaven on our honeymoon in June a number of years ago. Just hearing, reading or thinking Baxter State Park or Katahdin brings a smile to my face.

There are many other hikes in the park that are bit less adventurous than the Knife's Edge. Great Pond Trails with special encounters with wildlife that can be exciting.

There are others who visit that particular paradise regularly and can offer the specifics you wish. Just couldn’t contain my enthusiasm.

Have fun in October!

[Schuyler]

HI!

Here's the web site for starters:

http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/index.html

There are five peaks to Mt Katahdin. Baxter is the big one, and also the end of the AT. You can get to Baxter peak without going over the Knife edge via a few trails. From the south, starting at either Katahdin Stream or Abol campground which would both be closer to Moosehead Lake than other starting points.

From my own experience I can tell you that, yes, the Knife edge is a little scary - leave any fear of heights behind. I've seen people practically waltz across it... I admit I crawled some of the way though. This was partially from fatigue due to the mice that kept me up all night!

I'd suggest pouring over your maps and new guide books, and I'm sure others will have suggestions for you here.
You are in for a treat if the weather works out for you!

Sky

[MichaelJ]

I haven't actually hiked Katahdin yet, but did help plan a trip there that got cancelled less than 12 hours before it was supposed to begin (and I was already in Millinocket).

So to answer some of your questions...

There are plenty of options to get to the top of Baxter Peak (the summit commonly known as Katahdin, and the northern terminus of the AT) without traversing the Knife Edge. The most common is to follow the AT itself (the Hunt Trail). Others are the Saddle Trail or the Cathedral Trail. When your books come in just look at the maps and you'll be fine.

The only thing that will keep you off the summit is the weather. Baxter State Park is highly controlled and if the weather (generally wind) is bad enough, they will declare a red day and ascent above treeline will not be permitted. The odds of that are pretty low. However, I would expect cold nights and possibly even snow or ice at the higher elevations. A down jacket is definitely not overkill. I would bring long underwear, wool cap, windblock balaclava ... in fact, since you're staying in the area and day hiking, load up the car with a full variety of clothes.

Other hikes? There are a ton right there in Baxter State Park - peaks such as Hamlin, the Brothers, Fort, Doubletop and Coe. Throughout the park are miles of trails to just walk along; no summits, just beautiful woods.

That's all I've got off the top of my head - others will definitely chime in!

[MichaelJ]

PS - Greenville is also along the AT, and includes a great stretch by Gulf Hagas, White Cap, Saddleback and Elephant (all names I recognize from the New England Hundred Highest list). It's too bad you're going in October; you'll be close to the Dead River and some of the finest whitewater in the area (same with Millinocket and the Penobscot River)!

[MtnMagic]

I second Gulf Hagas. Milo to Brownsville.

Another day in Paradise.

Hey another idea for a group adventure!!!

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it!

[MtnMagic]

Wouldn't a group camp/hike from us members of Alpine Zone to hike the loop of Gulf Hagas and see the Falls be the grand finale of October during the colorful season?

What a wonderful time, what do you think?!

[MichaelJ]

October 'tis the season of "yet another wedding to attend". But feel free to go without me!!!