Katahdin Hiking: Hunt Trail / Appalachian Trail GoPro

[@chris-thumper7205]

Having completed a thru hike in 2017, this brings back so many memories. Great video! I'lll probablyu watch it time and time again until I do the trail again soon.

[@vtboomer]

Awesome! Thank you! I just did it partway again because I missed the Owl Trail marker!

[@phojar1]

This is so helpful - I'm not sure I could do this trail after seeing this. Do you happen to have a similiar video for the easier trail up?

[@vtboomer]

I want to be clear: there is no EASY trail to the main peak: a stay at Chimney Pond (or Roaring Brook) would allow an easier = shorter trip up the Saddle Trail, but one must make the upper slide descent Slowly. I approach the main peak via Abol Trail, which is physically challenging, but "easier" than Hunt. It will be an all-day hike for you (I'm calculating) beginning at 6 am. My recent videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXnGfJmFpNWjY7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHu0ZqWbnJisirc Baxter State Park may be able to refer good local guides to you (I live 7 hours away). Good luck, it's well worth the effort!

[@copycatt2579]

Thanks for this! Im coming in 7 years late but is very helpful. Im going in September 2024. No knifes edge?

[@vtboomer]

All in your own time--there's no such thing as "late!" The Knife Edge is after the peak, and not part of the AT; however, the Hunt Trail includes a short scramble which is challenging.

[@marqde1]

Did this in '58-used to be a big white pine if looking toward the Hunt spur from the leanto. Best appreciated in Chuck Taylor's.

[@vtboomer]

It's a great trail. Because of some of the reaches and stretches involved, it can be a very challenging task for smaller people, including children. In some places, people have worn a new path around these obstacles.

[@hyunsoopark809]

Yes , all the Katahdin trail is so beautiful, except saddle trail.

[@tonyt-bone8180]

Bad ass mountain climbed her 3 years ago, will NEVER forget it

[@vtboomer]

I tell anyone who asks, "There is no Easy way up this mountain, only Easier (Less Difficult) and More Difficult." From watching Your video, you chose the Most Difficult route, climbing Cathedral and crossing the Knife Edge west-east (more difficult in the Chimney)--so any future climbs will be "Easier." Four thousand rocky feet of vertical up (and down) will be a good workout on any day. Congratulations, it looks like you had a great experience!

[@tonyt-bone8180]

vtboomer ya ya yup they told me it was the hardest way so me being me I chose that way. It was awesome may go back this year or next 👍

[@Scrimmer08]

Hi vtboomer: Would you say that Cathedral is more sketchy than this route?

[@vtboomer]

Cathedral is overall steeper for its first half, but they both have their challenging sections. I wouldn't call either one dangerous if you take your time.

[@Scrimmer08]

Thanks for the guidance.

[@mjdavis777]

Wow amazing thx!

[@vtboomer]

Always welcome!

[@randallwood6814]

I know you recommend Abol for descending, what is it like for Ascending? My gf is not a huge fan of scrambling, so I am looking for the best route and then let her decide if it is something she should try. Thanks.

[@vtboomer]

There is no Easy trail up Katahdin, but I would rate the Abol as "easier" than Hunt for ascending also. Good luck, have fun!

[@randallwood6814]

Well that's what I meant. Thanks for the info.

[@chasejones4]

While you were ascending, were there ever moments along the trail where you were somewhat teetering along the edge, or near large drop offs? Or was it a gradual decline around you?

[@vtboomer]

Some people get anxious in the area of the iron holds and steps (rebar). It's the toughest part of the trail, nothing as bad above, so you can turn around if you wish, or come down Abol after you summit.

[@vtboomer]

Also be aware that the GoPro is wide-angle and makes the sides of the ridge appear to fall away rapidly. The regular lens on the Canon shows it better (16:30).

[@vtboomer]

(Sorry I missed this!) I don't remember any huge drop-offs, but care is always recommended: you can be seriously hurt if you fall 10 feet on rock!

[@austinclark6185]

How was coming down the trail to head back with the iron rungs

[@vtboomer]

That day, I descended on Abol, but in tricky places like the irons, I most often turn around and reverse climb...and going down(reverse climbing), you can often use a friction slide with one or two feet if you have both hands holding on strongly. Rungs begin at 10:30.

[@Katahdindream]

Wow !!!

[@vtboomer]

Merci beaucoup. Bon route, où que vous alliez!

[@wellengood7915]

31:33 is where I lost my nerve

[@vtboomer]

So you're saying you never did....or you lost it at the top after you realized what you'd been through?

[@w3aln]

Amazing what some people call fun ... Climbing over bunch rocks lol oh well takes all kinds