Maine · Hiking

Knife Edge Trail

0.9 mi
one way
466 ft
climb
5,258 ft
high point
Point to point
route

Is Knife Edge Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It doesn't name Knife Edge Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Knife Edge Trail is a short hike of about 0.94 miles in Baxter State Park, in Maine, where the Appalachian National Scenic Trail also passes through. It is a point-to-point route rather than a loop, and it is rated easy. The trail rises to a high point of 5,258 feet, with a total elevation gain of 466 feet. The climb is rolling, and the steepest part comes at about 0.35 miles from the start, where the grade reaches 31%. The route also has a total descent of 764 feet, so the high point is not the end of the trip. The Saddle Trail lies just 0.1 miles away, and the Cathedral Trail is 0.3 miles off. The Chimney Couloir, a ski touring route, and the Abol Slide Trail are both within a mile.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

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Route details

Distance
0.9 mi
Climbing
About 466 ft
Summit
5,243 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Time
About 0.5 hours

Questions about this route

How long is the Knife Edge Trail on South Peak?

About 0.9 mi.

How much elevation gain is on the Knife Edge Trail?

About 466 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Knife Edge Trail?

It is rated easy.

How long does the Knife Edge Trail take?

About 0.5 hours round trip.

Conditions and forecast on South Peak

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors