THE MANUAL • July 8, 2021
One of New England’s grandest nature reserves, Baxter State Park spreads across some 210,000 acres in northern Maine. There are various trails leading up Mount Katahdin, and they’re all rated difficult. The most dramatic ascent is via a 1.1-mile corridor known as the Knife Edge Trail. True to name, this narrow traverse has steep drop-offs on both sides. It’s also a fully exposed climb in parts, where you’ll be scrambling up and down rocks while making sure not to lose your footing. Those with any fear of heights are strongly discouraged from going this route.