Katahdin: Facts, Not News

The northern most point of the Appalachian Trail is Baxter Peak on Katahdin, Maine's highest mountain, surrounded by a 209,501 acre wilderness sanctuary and forest preserve. The translation of the Indian word, Katahdin, is greatest mountain. Maine Indians considered it a holy place and believed in Pamola, the deity of Katahdin, who purportedly would destroy any man who ventured too close to the mountain. The first recorded ascent by Euro Americans was in 1804 when a party used the same rocks and roots trail, the Hunt Trail, as is used today by the AT. Henry David Thoreau explored the area in 1846.

Rules related to climbing Katahdin stem from weather. Unlike the surrounding landscape south, Katahdin is exposed to extreme weather, including high winds, and can get snow every month of the year. The trail goes above tree line and is completely exposed. It is a 10.4 mile trip to the summit and back and packs an elevation gain of 4,000 feet in 5 miles. Baxter State Park posts cut off times for beginning your ascent. In August, you must begin before 11, in September before 10 and in October before 9. You must sign in before you climb and sign out on your return. The park posts weather conditions each morning at 7 to let you know what to expect for the day:

• Class I - recommended for hiking above treeline
• Class II - not recommended for hiking above treeline
• Class III - not recommended for hiking above treeline and with certain trails closed
• Class IV - all trails closed; if you proceed, you are subject to court summons, fine, seizure of equipment and permanent revocation of park privileges.

If you must be rescued, assistance will be delayed until rescuers can proceed safely. You will be held liable for all costs of search and rescue. Class III and IV days are common in late September and October. It is advised to reach Katahdin by October 1, and you must arrange your climb by October 15 when the trail closes.

I assume they planned to climb today, provided the right class of weather was posted. If this is in fact the end for Madeline, I hope it was a satisfying ending. ~Amy