If you want to hike the Abol Trail Katahdin, there are several things you should know before setting out on your journey. For starters, you should know what to expect on the trail, whether you’re planning to take the Hunt or the Abol Slide Trails. Then, you should know what to expect from the weather while on the Abol Trail.
Abol Slide Trail
The Abol Slide Trail climbs steeply through a hardwood forest. The trail then turns to the left at the bottom of the Abol Slide. In 2014, the previous route was made unsafe by a rock slide. Thankfully, the trail was rerouted to the left, and it now offers a scenic view of the south.
In the past, the Abol Trail was closed due to a rock slide, but the new trail follows carefully built switchbacks. Hikers should stay on the marked trail, and if they get off it, they may not be able to get back up. This is a difficult trail, and if you get off track, it could be difficult to get help.
The Abol Slide Trail connects to the Hunt Trail. The descent is steep and snow-filled. It is possible to glissade on the snowy slope, and it makes for a fun way to practice self-arrests. The trail then rejoins near a large boulder.
Hunt Trail
The Hunt Trail starts at the base of Thoreau Spring, which marks the end of the grueling ascent up the Abol Slide. This trail then flattens out, leading to a stretch of Tableland where you can rest before the final push to the summit. The Tableland provides views of the entire summit area, as well as southern peaks. The trail has small wooden markers that mark the path, but on whiteout days the path can be difficult to follow.
The Hunt Trail is the final segment of the Appalachian Trail and is well-maintained. From the campsite, hikers can start the gradual ascent up the Hunt Trail, which is well marked and well-traveled. Upon reaching the summit, they’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Great Basin. From the summit, the trail continues east, traversing the Chimney notch and ascending the Knife Edge.
The Abol Trail starts at Abol Campground in Baxter State Park and joins the Hunt Trail near the summit. This is the shortest trail up to Katahdin’s summit. It features rock scrambling and exposed hiking, though it is a bit less difficult than the Hunt Trail. The trail quickly gets above treeline, but there are few large stream crossings. The Abol Trail has steeper sections, but there is less scrambling than the Hunt Trail.
Weather on Abol Trail
Taking a hiking trip up the Abol Trail in winter can be tricky, but you should be prepared with the right gear. You’ll need mountaineering crampons, snowshoes, ice axe, and a helmet. A rope is not necessary above the treeline, but you’ll want to carry emergency winter gear just in case. The weather on Katahdin is more unpredictable than it is on Mount Washington, so you’ll need to prepare for unforeseen conditions.
The Abol Trail begins at the Abol Campground in Baxter State Park and meets up with the Hunt Trail near the summit. This is the shortest trail to the top of Katahdin, but it offers plenty of rock scrambling and exposed hiking. The Abol Trail quickly rises above the treeline and then passes below the unstable Abol Slide. You’ll eventually reach a ridgeline where the trail gets steeper and rocky.
After 1.4 miles, the Abol Trail gets rocky and the climbing pace increases. There’s one section of the trail that’s class 2+, which is very steep, but the rest is relatively easy. The terrain is alpine tundra and mountain tableland, home to a variety of fragile plants.
Equipment needed for Abol Trail
The Abol Trail is one of the most popular access routes to the summit of Mount Katahdin, Maine. While there are several options, each has its own unique features and requirements. Some trails are shorter than others, and some are just sections of the entire route. The Abol trail, for example, goes from the trailhead to the summit, where it joins the Hunt Trail for the last mile. Other routes to the summit include the Helon Taylor and Knife Edge trail.
Abol Trail starts from the Abol Campground in Baxter State Park and connects with Hunt Trail near the summit. This trail offers a combination of hiking and rock scrambling and is relatively short. It also begins to rise above the treeline quickly, and there are few large stream crossings. Abol is steeper than the Hunt Trail, but there is less rock scrambling than the latter.
The original Abol Trail begins at the Abol campground, between lean-tos 11 and 12. After completing the trail, hikers must sign a hiker registry at the ranger cabin, where Donn Fendler, the hiker registry coordinator, is located.
