Most Katahdin trails are now open for hikers

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff

Most trails up Maine’s tallest mountain are now open for hikers.

The Baxter State Park Authority said that all trails up Katahdin, except Saddle Slide Trail, opened for hikers Friday.

Trail up Katahdin include Abol, Cathedral, Dudley, Hamlin Ridge, Helon Taylor and Hunt.

Additionally all trails on Traveler Mountain have reopened, and the park’s Tote Road is fully reopened.

That comes just days after a father and daughter, 58-year-old Tim and 28-year-old Esther Keiderling of Ulster Park, New York, died on Katahdin. The pair set off for the summit from Abol Campground and were last seen alive on the Tablelands on Sunday morning. Rescuers recovered their bodies Tuesday and Wednesday.

Baxter State Park recommends that Katahdin hikers pack a map, compass, headlamp or flashlight (and extra batteries), first aid kit, extra food and water, extra clothing, knife, sunscreen, firestarter, whistle, parachute cord, and more.

Katahdin’s weather can quickly change, and hikers should be prepared to encounter strong winds and chilly temperatures near the summit, even in summer.

Hikers can reserve a day-use parking spot on Baxter State Park’s website, by calling the reservation office at 207-723-5140 or by visiting the park’s headquarters in person in Millinocket. A reservation isn’t needed for hikers who are camping in the park.