How to prepare for hiking Katahdin

By Aislinn Sarnacki

Two people died while hiking Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain. The horrible incident shook the state’s hiking community, reminding us how quickly things can go wrong in the backcountry.

Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter Esther Keiderling, 28, were described by their family as experienced hikers. In early June near the top of the mountain, they faced harsh wind, rain, snow, ice and wintery temperatures. By the time search and rescue teams found them, they’d perished from exposure.

When tragedy strikes in the mountains of Maine, people who care about me — my family and friends, even readers of this column — often reach out and express worry about my safety. I understand. The event, though not directly related to me, reminds them of the dangers involved in my favorite outdoor activity. 

Hiking is a big part of my identity and has been for a long time. In college, I wrote a thesis about the many benefits of hiking. In my career as a journalist, I’ve written about hundreds of trails, and I now lead people on interpretive hikes as a registered Maine Guide. 

In the wake of such a horrible situation, I hesitate to write anything that might sound preachy or, what’s worse, speculative or accusatory. A tragedy is not a lesson to be learned. However, I do think it might be helpful at this time to talk about how to reduce risks while hiking big mountains like Katahdin.

A million things could go wrong in the backcountry: a fall, a medical emergency, unexpected weather, a navigational error. Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare for your adventure, an unforeseen event derails your plans. When you’re far from civilization and deep in the woods, help can take hours, if not days to reach you.

Yet we aren’t powerless. Hiking involves risk management, taking steps to anticipate and minimize potential dangers. Much of that happens before you even set foot on a trail — when you’re planning your trip and packing your bag.

I’ve hiked Katahdin many times, starting when I was a teenager. My extended family, which includes several avid hikers, camps in Baxter State Park each summer. As a result, I’ve had ample opportunities to get to know the famous landmark.

Early on, my family would help me pack for the big hike, ensuring I had enough supplies to be safe and comfortable. Early in the morning, we’d assemble lunch bags containing sandwiches, trail mix, fresh fruit, cookies, chips and a number of other goodies. They’d also force me to pack way more water than I thought I needed — and I always ended up drinking most of it by the end of the hike.

Baxter State Park’s website lists 10 items to pack:

• Navigation: a good topo map of where you’ll be.
• Sun protection: sun glasses, sunscreen.
• Insulation: extra layers for variable conditions. 
• Illumination: having a flashlight or headlamp is a park rule.
• First aid: you most likely will be a long way from help.
• Fire: matches, a lighter, or flint and steel.
• Repair kit: for your clothing, gear, and boots.
• Nutrition: extra food in case things go wrong, or you find something more to explore.
• Hydration: at least 2 quarts of water per person on a Katahdin hike. All natural water in the Park should be treated before drinking.
• Emergency shelter: a space blanket will keep you warm-ish in case things go wrong.

While Baxter’s website states that Katahdin hikers should carry at least 2 quarts of water, I suggest carrying even more. Sure, it’ll be heavy, but staying hydrated is key to a successful hike. Besides, the more you drink, the lighter your pack becomes.

In addition to the listed items, I also carry a compass, emergency bivvy, multi-tool, satellite communicator, iodine tablets for emergency water purification and a rain jacket. 

I pack an extra shirt to change into atop the mountain because I sweat a lot when hiking uphill. Exchanging a cold, sweat-soaked shirt for a dry shirt helps me stay comfortable and warm. Plus, depending on the weather forecast, I may pack a fleece, winter hat and gloves. Hypothermia is one of the biggest dangers for people hiking Katahdin, even in the middle of summer.

Reaching nearly a mile into the sky, the top of Katahdin can be surprisingly cold and windy. This is just one of the many challenges that the mountain presents to hikers. 

The trails are incredibly rugged, with twisting tree roots and sharp hunks of granite. In some areas, you have to scramble over boulders the size of buses. Overall elevation gain is around 4,000 feet. After a heavy rain, sections of trail flow with water that threaten to swamp your boots. 

It’s a long hike to the top, with a few different trail options. Routes vary from 9 to 13 miles, which takes the average person 8 to 12 hours. Plan to start early and hike all day long.

I find that long, strenuous hikes like Katahdin are just as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Remaining alert, positive, cautious and stubborn (to a degree) is key. You have to pace yourself. Take breaks. Eat plenty of food. Continuously drink water. Pay attention to how you feel. Make decisions with safety as a priority. You can always leave the summit for another day.

I was fortunate to get to know the mountain while surrounded by family and friends. When hiking, there’s often safety in numbers. In a small group, you can share resources and watch out for each other.

I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way. For example, I lost both of my big toenails from a Katahdin hike. My boots were too small, so I continuously jammed my toes on the way down. Now I make sure to wear the right shoes, and I ensure my toenails are cut short before any big hike. 

Mostly, though, I’ve learned about hiking safety from others. Family, friends and fellow guides have taught me the power of firemaking skills and the usefulness of a whistle. If you’re new to hiking, I suggest you seek out someone with more experience. Join them on the trail. Ask questions.

As someone who has benefited so much from hiking, I will always encourage people to give it a try. Just remember, Katahdin is the most challenging hike in Maine. Plan and prepare. Take it seriously. And if you aren’t quite ready, there are many smaller mountains to enjoy as you build your skills and knowledge.