Mount Katahdin Knife Edge

Katahdin's Knife Edge is the most-feared mile in the eastern US — a 1.1-mile traverse between Pamola Peak and Baxter Peak (Katahdin's true summit at 5,269 ft) along an arête that narrows to 4 feet wide in places with 1,500-foot drops on both sides. The standard route ascends via the Helon Taylor Trail (3,000 ft of climb in 3.2 mi, all above-treeline boulder hopping), crosses the Knife Edge, summits Baxter Peak (the Appalachian Trail's northern terminus), and descends via the Saddle Trail. Baxter State Park caps daily visitation at 1,100 day-use parkers via an online lottery opening April 1 each year — the rules are unique because Baxter is a privately-administered state park (Governor Percival Baxter's bequest specified forever-wild management distinct from Maine DEC). Roaring Brook Campground caps rigs at 22 ft (no exceptions); larger rigs must stage outside Baxter at Abol Bridge Campground. Katahdin's weather kills hikers — afternoon thunderstorms above treeline are an annual fatality cause.