Climbing the Deadly Knife Edge of Mt. Katahdin

In this video, we hike up to Baxter Peak, the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine using the Helon Taylor Trail. The section called the knife edge is a narrow, rocky hike along the ridge of the peaks for about a mile in length and about 360 feet of elevation change.
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All of the musical compositions or arrangements and footage in this video are original, and were composed, recorded, and captured by Andrew Lin, Bryan Lin, Robby Huang, and Thomas Sinard
Featuring drums by Nate Laguzza
Original content and music is copyright Adventure Archives (c) 2022

[@dalepost2017]

As someone who has hiked Katahdin close to thirty times and have done the Knife Edge in winter, this was a very nice representation of what it's like . Can never get enough. Thank you.

[@markmanzo2488]

Same here. I'm taking 3 friends up at the end of the month the exact opposite way. I'm sending them this one to watch. It's a good representation of the endless rocks and really captures the beauty and exhaustion you feel at the end.

[@jamessims5240]

Way to low key drop your own achievements and call it a comment 😂

[@occasm]

did this decades ago in my 20s lol. It was definitely something I can tell you that. Far more freaky than angel's Landing that's for sure.

[@erindriffield5643]

An absolute masterpiece. The most engaging and exceptionally filmed hiking video I have ever watched. Thank you Thomas and Robby for sharing your adventure and thank you as always AA!

[@AdventureArchives]

This is standalone video of Robby and Thomas's hike up Mt. Katahdin. The full video concluding the road trip with an entirely different edit of the hike up the mountain, Bryan and Andrew's canoe trip, and a whole lot more will be out next week for everyone. You can also watch it right now at patreon.com/adventure Hope you enjoyed the video and see you soon!

[@ForzaMonkey]

You guys should try hiking Mt. Ampersand in the Adirondacks! edit: two key differences 1: Ampersand is a much shorter hike, but has some similar steep, rocky bits. 2: Ampersand isn't all that huge, at only 3353 feet. Ampersand does have some pretty cool pond things at the rocky part near the top, probably caused by melting snow.

[@colinsellar8409]

I've never seen a video that better captures the experience of hiking the Knife's Edge. Fantastic work, gents.

[@essieessie5399]

Wow, out of all the hiking youtube videos I watch, this was one of the scariest I've seen yet. Robbie , I can't believe you mastered that hike with a camera in hand. I was exhausted just watching the climbs over the never ending boulders. The views were breathtaking!!

[@roxannegordon6162]

We, husband and I, use a go Pro that is strapped to his chest so he has two free hands. We did the handheld camera stick and thought it was quite awkward. It's worth the money to be safe. We each have a mic so to hear each other.

[@Righteous1ist]

That sweet refreshing cold drink at the completion of the hike

[@MsPennay1]

Insane terrain Maine. What a hike!

[@AndrewKimbleAj]

As a Mainah who's done this mountain 3 times, this video brings me great joy. Thank you for sharing!

[@wesg3084]

My mom and dad hiked that route over 50 years ago. The way they described it made it sound incredibly crazy. You guys removed all doubt.

[@euterpe55]

Incredible, broadcast quality film work --amazing, nail-biting adventure! I loved every minute of this!

[@milesandhikes]

If I weren't absolutely terrified of heights, that would indeed be an AWESOME hike! Beautiful scenery

[@lxl8093]

This is one of the best AA videos. Filming and editing are top notch. So amazing that I have to watch it again.

[@reneeslembarski]

I’ve climbed Katahdin on the AT side….and after this video have no desire to do the knife’s edge. Amazing, thank you for filming it!

[@Jenfuu]

New to your channel. A lot of people underestimate our mountains because we don't have a lot of elevation over here on the East Coast. But us locals always tell people don't underestimate our mountains. The terrain is steep, rocky and full of roots! I am glad you enjoyed Katahdin and your trip to our beautiful state!

[@briangriffin5524]

New Hampshire and Maine hiking is all rocks and roots. You better have good balance.⛰️⛰️

[@MountainHobbler]

Looked pretty damn tame to me... but I guess if you scare easy and like to over dramatize everything than sure.

[@Infinityskatemedia]

@@MountainHobblerpeople with this attitude are the ones who constantly are being rescued in these mountains. The trails are more rugged, longer and worse weather than most of the us. In fact mount washington in nh has the worst weather on the planet and has more deaths for summit attempts in the us than any othet mountain and is nicknamed the most dangerous small mountain in the world

[@MountainHobbler]

@@Infinityskatemedia Copium! Enjoy walking up your hills you silly flatlander.

[@supergirl460]

I love you guys so much!!! Your non stop push to complete your goals is inspiring!!! And the final knee slap says it all Robby!!

[@killuax3905]

Whenever you guys embark on such a perilous hike, i really pray that u guys stay safe. Also, really entertaining episode!

[@OutdoorMemoirs]

This brought back very vivid memories from when we hiked the Knife's Edge the end of last September. We utilized the Helon Taylor trail to access the Knife's Edge, then down the Saddle trail. Thank you for capturing such an amazing hike. We love watching all of you explore new places!

[@janetvincent9243]

Thank you for sharing this amazing video. I did this hike 30 years ago and it brought back such wonderful memories. Baxter Park and Katahdin in particular is one of the most beautiful and rugged places I have been.

[@chasegriswold6956]

I love watching your guys' videos. They are so entertaining and keep me interested in the outdoors even when its not the season where I can do as much outside as I would like. You guys are really entertaining and I appreciate the time you take to add good music and edits. As well as the videos of you walking on the trail from a behind view as I know that takes a lot of extra work and time to capture. Keep up the good work, and thank you!

[@medaily57]

Beautiful scenery. I could never do this hike. My fear of heights would make me turn back. Thanks for sharing!

[@jasonmears4393]

Absolutely stunning. This hike has been on my list for awhile. Your documentary was great. Excellent job. Cant wait to hike this one day.

[@sharondavis8003]

AWESOME 😎 Robby & Thomas!!! You two are brave souls to tackle this quest. Can’t wait to watch the longer video from AA. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙋🏼‍♀️

[@Dashersacct]

This is incredible to see. I just did the hunt trail up and back 3 days ago. I'm still sore! I wanted to look up knifes edge and see what it looks like. Thanks so much for this incredible video. Maybe someday I'll go back and try it, but for now, being able to say I reached Baxter peak(tallest mountain I've ever climbed) is something I'll never forget.

[@danmarion32]

this is one of the better Knife Edge videos I have seen. nice work. I have been up there twice in 1993 & 1997 but never did the knife edge. Watching it brought back many fond memories. Awesome! Thanks for making it.

[@mudhens4ever]

I love your video! I love how well you captured the adventure and the thrills, and I love the visual quality. So glad I discovered this channel!

[@andiradin]

Great hiking film! I actually had no idea that the northeastern States offer such beautiful, rugged mountain landscapes! Certainly one of your videos I enjoyed the most, thank you a lot! If you ever want to have similar (or little more gentle) mountain experiences in Europe - hit me up! I know many hikes in the Alps you guys would love! Keep up the great work, looking foreward to the video next week!

[@jonmoss-blundell2844]

Bloody brilliant lads! I fall asleep to your adventures every few months - whenever I remember to check back in on your site. And that’s the highest praise, just beautifully simple appreciation of the great ole’ outdoors, and of course, by the time you eat, we’re hungry with you 🤗 Cheers! Keep up the good work please

[@nickbristol3457]

Wow, What an amazing hiking video. You guys did an awesome job hiking and filming this. Thanks Robby and Thomas! Cheers! Nick

[@Lb-df4xi]

Ok this is the first time I actually almost couldn't watch you guys, the most narrow part of the knifes edge was too much. Idk how yall did that! Kudos and respect

[@garyh1449]

Glad you liked our mountain. Over the years I climbed this mountain on all available trails plus one technical climb. The first time on the Knife's Edge was after a rain, The rock was wet and it was so overcast that I could see only 10' ahead of me. The cabin below is at Chimney Pond. You get there from Roaring Brook. Instead of turning left on Helon Taylor, just go straight for about 3 miles.

[@kjhild138]

OMG...Just watching you gave me sweaty palms!!!

[@ReeWrayOutdoors]

Awesome video!! Some of those views gave me butterflies from my desk chair!! That hike was NO JOKE! Incredible experience and I so thoroughly enjoyed experiencing it vicariously through you guys. :)

[@divyawildfree4864]

Another amazing video. Can not believe I have been watching your videos for 7 years now, time just flies.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

What an adventure! I've wanted to do Katahdin for a long time, though I've been on the fence about Knife's Edge. I'm 52 and from Indiana, I've done my share of mountain climbing, but wow, that looks intense! You captured it so well. Keep exploring!

[@carolhiggins1560]

Wow! What an incredible video! I just hiked Mt. Katahdin on August 15! I didn’t go up the route to Knife’s Edge though - just couldn’t bring myself to do that. You guys were awesome! We went up the Hunt trail and back down the same way!!! Thank you so much for bringing back the wonderful memories from that day! I will definitely share this video with friends and family!

[@ursulapeacelove]

Glad you made it, was a real nail biter lol … thank you for taking me to the top of this beautiful mountain, Gods blessings to you all

[@trinhleloi]

😮 thanks for capturing this crazy hike. Wow!

[@monicatong5448]

OMG! No way! Glad you did this and not me. I would not have done Knife's Edge in my younger days, teens. Excellent accomplishment and adventure!! Just hiking the Saddle trail would be tiring for me.Thanks for the armchair adventure! Simple stunning footage!!

[@JoanLarsen1242]

Wow! One of the best I've seen thus far. Thank you for sharing this. Much respect to all those who have traversed Knifes Edge.

[@FootballLegendzZ]

Hiked the AT in 2008 and man does this bring back some great memories!

[@shirleybush5541]

I found this group while browsing on you tube & I deeply appreciate going hiking with this group to places i will never see in person. Thank you!!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I hiked the entire AT in 2018 and going up and down Hunt trail (Not even considering (The Knifes Edge), was the hardest day of hiking for me! You have accomplished something great when you Summit Katahdin! Your Vlog was beautiful, and brought me right back to the sign! Thanks! PS, It makes Zaleski feel like child’s play!

[@NatureLover-yt8tu]

Most beautiful adventure yet! 💕

[@craigobertos7451]

Great video. Spectacular scenery. Thanks, guys.

[@karenkinkler9421]

You guys go to great lengths to bring us great content. Thank you!

[@jacquelineduarte2163]

I absolutely loved watching this video! Superb! Congratulations for conquering Katahdins Knife Edge!

[@lukasmorrow8255]

Amazing! I definitely want to try this out one day. A few years ago I hiked the Aonach Eagach trail in Scotland's Glen Coe with a university hiking/climbing club; went into that trip without researching much into the trail we were taking and that's the story of how I went on Scotland's hardest scramble trail and one of the narrowest hikes in the world XD

[@yveeden2754]

Brilliant views. Had my heart in my mouth while you were both on that ridge. Wow.

[@marlenebuck1139]

This was beyond amazing! The butterflies in my stomach were going wild! So glad when you got done and I could finally breathe.

[@keiajinfilms]

ahh the crowning glory of northeastern hikes - SUPER stoked that you got to experience it. and yeah, for all those non-local folks in the comments - the knife's edge can compete with many a hike out west. especially during winter! its a bucket list item for sure. also a hike to take very seriously depending on the weather - lots of people get injured and there have been deaths too.

[@nealbakerlis]

I did the knifes edge not even really knowing what it truly was...... Best experience of my life.. The view is something Ill never forget and also the pizza i killed when I finished

[@IvaneL2187]

I did this hike in 2020 and Katahdin def challenged me physically and mentally. Every part of my body was in pain by the end but totally worth it! Great video!

[@stephentruslow565]

Beautiful film! Two friends and I climbed the Knife Edge from Chimney Pond in June of 1970. We camped in a lean-to for two days in bad weather and decided on our last day to climb the Edge in total fog cover against the advice of the ranger. Since we couldn't see more than 15 feet ahead, we actually didn't know what we were getting into. But being young and adventuresome we forged ahead. We probably would have turned back if we could have seen the whole Edge the way this film pictures it. When we got to the top though the fog actually dropped down into the valleys and the whole Knife Edge peeked through. Just stunning late afternoon sunlight hitting the ridge. This movie really captures the feel of the mountain.

[@adamproject9034]

I hiked this mountain after doing 800 miles on the AT it crushed my soul as well. I also fell off an 8ft drop and did a full flip while landing on my feet only to sprain my ankle on a 3ft drop go figure. O did I mention I'm also afraid of heights. Great video guys you had me feeling squeamish all over again...

[@EpicSauce12345]

Loved the ledge walk back when I did knifes edge. Wind picked up quite a bit just after that and we were crappin bricks. Loved it!

[@patriciaduffy6672]

I really enjoyed your video of Katahdin. I’m a Maine native and had never been to Baxter in all my 66 years. Thanks to seeing this, I know not to attempt this climb, ever! Stay safe and enjoy every climb, then top it off by returning to Maine for one more adventure.

[@OutsideChronicles]

I agree with you that Kahtadin ranks up there as one of the best climbs. You guys captured the Chimney better than I did solo. Hoping to return this June after a paddle trip again.

[@tylergoodwin304]

This is one of the most special places I’ve visited and I’ve been fortunate to see some things. I can safely say no one has captured Baxter State Park, or that big beautiful mountain quite like this. You should be very proud of this video. Made a three time summiteer very happy!!

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

Equal kudos from a 7 timer!

[@mattg2935]

Awesome is the correct word. My kids and I climbed via the Hunt Trail. What a blast! We still talk about the day we climbed a mountain in Maine on the AT. You guys had some great weather. We had clouds, mist and rain, but still worth the climb.

[@marshayame]

I can't tell you how happy these videos make me! This hike looks like so much fun especially for someone that loves scrambling. Definitely on my list :)

[@markmanzo2488]

It is. If you've ever been to Red Rocks in Nevada it's comparable above tree line, just different rock. Very fun rock scrambling. We've got great rocks on the coast for scrambling too if you know where to go.

[@scottdeblois8498]

Great episode. Wonderful edits. What an awesome adventure. Great job.

[@OldPackMule]

I've seen video going the other direction. That was AMAZING! Thanks for filming that.

[@jimhenderson387]

Incredible video! I'm so glad I went along with you guys so that I'll never have to do it myself. Especially that route up. I AM afraid of heights and you guys caused me to squirm quite often with your videography. Thanks!

[@iamdew]

17:55 insane! 19:15 awesome. This is the best vid you've ever made. I feel like I'm with you in every boulder you step on.

[@scottpope9105]

I went up and down the Hunt Trail at the beginning of my 2019 SOBO AT hike. It was a really questionable start to the trip because about 2/3 of the way up it started to rain. No view from the top and then wet granite on the way down. I just kept telling myself that if I can make it through the day I should be ready for anything else the trail throws at me. Southern Maine and the White Mountains were tough, but 158 days later I was on Springer Mountain in Georgia. This video reminded me that I need to go back and hike Katahdin when the weather is more favorable!

[@Pharm_girl2004]

Amazingly beautiful video! My anxiety was kicking just watching you guys scramble along the rock ledges. Thanks for taking me along because I’ll NEVER be able to see that in person.

[@anilhugoabdulhaqwilliams4613]

Thank you AA for making my day and for taking me places where I cannot go to.

[@DavidtheFoodie]

Another amazing adventure! Also, awesome acoustics! Ahh! Alliteration!

[@chickennoodle6620]

Great video. The Knife Edge reminded me of the Razorback hike I did at the Cathedral Ranges here in Victoria, Australia. It was two hours of having steep drops on both sides.

[@Rgrrgr175]

I was so nervous watching the knife edge part that I wanted to turn off the video. 😂 Much respect to you for the completion of that hike up and down Katahdin!

[@kate_roaming]

I've been waiting for this to be posted before I start my AT SOBO. Thanks for keeping it real on this one. 😬🥴 This is the best video I've seen for depicting the difficulty of both the Hunt Trail and Knifes Edge. Hold my drink as I go do lots more stair training! Looking forward to the full feature!

[@NANCYNDT]

Thanks for sharing. Love your video, it reminds me of our hike. We did not have the good weather while do the Knife Edge though. We were up using Helon Taylor, Knife Edge then down using The Saddle and Chimney Pond

[@JASHJustASectionHiker]

Really enjoyed your hike of the knife’s edge. You guys did great. You are young, light and fit.

[@spellsforsale6871]

Absolutely epic hiking/mountain climbing guys!! This one had MY heart racing, lol 🙂

[@patriciamoak2042]

It made my scalp tighten!

[@Memesaplenty]

suffering. joy. repeat. Thanks for capturing the essence of hiking...

[@MaineManMedia]

Cool video of my favorite spot on the planet. Good job guys.

[@BallsBearing2Score]

Nicely put together video! It's great to hold me over until the snow melted and I can get up there again. Thank you :)

[@vandervlietjames]

You guys made a really, really great video. Nice job and thanks.

[@nightrunning4eva]

You all did an excellent job with this video. I did the Hunt trail ascent 2 years ago and that stirrup almost forced me to turn around! So glad to reach the top. That Knife Edge looks like it is no joke. Someday!

[@omglolwots]

This looks awesome. This trail has been somewhere on my list for a bit... now I definitely want to do it.

[@jasondunifer4075]

Glad you decided to come back and do the Knife Edge Trail. After watching your first Katahdin video, I was very interested in seeing your reaction to the Pamola/Chimney Section. Ive hiked the Knife Edge several times and never seem to remember exactly how I manged to do it the last time, so I always end up doing a lot of swearing! What a beautifully shot and well made video! Hope you enjoyed some of the "real" Maine! (Not just what we call "Northern Massachusetts.) : )

[@carolemahoney3766]

OMG!!! Walking on the knife edge is definitely living on the EDGE!

[@dr.badass702]

Beautiful video! Love those New England “trails”. If you’re looking for another rad above-tree line hike here, you should check out the Presidential Traverse in NH!

[@linh8997]

I have done the presidential Traverse several times in different kinds of weather. But I have never conquered anything quite like the knife-edge. Steep, exposed, intimidating, dangerous and exhausting. There is nothing anywhere in New Hampshire that compares

[@dr.badass702]

@@linh8997 Agreed. I’ve done the knife-edge once and the Presi many times, both as an overnight and a day-hike , and nothing compares to the scrambling and exposure on the knife-edge. Once you gain the ridge on the Presi, it’s just miles of alpine cruising and views ( and weather). Both are awesome hikes . Man, this is making me want to go up to Baxter again soon and do it again . It’s just such a haul getting up there!

[@minster077]

Most excellent trail in the northeast guys! Terrifying is not even the word for this trail. I don't know a perfect adjective to describe Knife Edge. Thanks for filming such 'on the edge of your seat' adventure!

[@martinorenstein529]

Very cool. Ive done this climb when much younger . Its worth the pain to achieve this . SPECTACULAR!

[@artistoddessy8484]

This was my 2nd watch of this, it's a great one, I hope you 4 are doing great.

[@garygonyar9468]

Awesome video! Best hike in New England! Maybe best hike ever!

[@daveohmer9700]

Completed this hike in June of 2021 as part of our quest to reach the highpoint of each of the 50 states. This one put us at #38. Brutal doesn't even come close to describing this beast.

[@waltermaner5265]

Could. Not. Stop. Watching.

[@Justusson]

6:05 I might be reading into this but that “Ok” seemed less enthralled than the idea thrown out to begin with 😂 Man o’ man, I’m jealous watching this. Those views and that ridge? What an amazing experience it must have been!!

[@blaine2659]

Fantastic as always guys. I recently made it out to Acadia and was surprised by how much natural beauty the state had to offer. I know how you felt at the end dealing with so many boulders and large rocks on the trail. Either way it’s definitely worth it! Can’t wait for the next installment

[@coastieshak]

Love following you guys. Found this by accident, but recognize you all from the Dolly Sods video yearssssss ago! You guys inspired me to fall in love with that place.

[@fattmattamus7534]

Robbie's music is so unique you only have to hear three notes before you know that's Robbie and that's a GOOD THING! It has so much character!

[@fortheexperiencechannel]

Great video! It's a beautiful area.

[@Officialmonicajohnson]

Love Knifes Edge - a must if hiking Katahdin! I do chimney pond-cathedral to peak then knifes edge to Helton Taylor down, which goes on foreverrrrrr - a total mental game by that point!

[@adventuresofd-day2598]

Thomas’ impression of Robby: “I want to hike Mt. Katahdin”. Chef’s kiss:gold. You guys are the best.

[@jamespowers4677]

Really, really nicely done video. You got quite a day for it, too. Thanks for posting. My wife & I got to Pamola peak on a 90-degree day last summer and had to go down Dudley due to 60mph winds. We're heading back in August to try it again. I hope to catch some GoPro action, but you've taken it to another level.

[@zorka4098]

Unbelievable to find such a climb in the northeast! Your video was breathtaking. I could not do this as I have a bit of fear of heights and there were a few stomach churning moments for me in your video. It was great to "fly" vicariously with you guys!

[@karenwallace5484]

Another great video. Good job on the hike and the video.

[@farwoodfarm9296]

I've hiked many sections of the AT, Katahdin feels like nothing else. I hiked it in 2008 up the Dudley trail. What's funny is I don't remember having any fear of heights up there. You absolutely need to only hike it when the weather is good. Slow and steady wins the race, I remember being afraid of a miss step especially on the knifes edge, but the fear wasn't of falling, it was of breaking an ankle or leg if I made a misstep. Absolutely incredible tip, I earned my trail name "Moosling" on that trip when I was explaining to some friends what I thought a baby moose should be called.