Cathedral Ridge

Approach

To get to Baxter State Park take I-95 north to the Millinocket exit (Exit 244). Go west into Millinocket on Rt 157 and follow signs to Baxter State Park. From the Togue Pond Gate, take the road to Roaring Brook Campground. The trailhead begins from this parking lot. Sign in at the ranger hut there.

Route Description

The route goes west to Chimney Pond 3.3 miles. It's a fairly gentle hike with some nice viewpoints on the way from some small ponds.

At Chimney Pond you need to sign in again at the hut there. Follow signs to the Cathedral Trail, it splits from the Saddle Trail route shortly after Chimney Pond. It soon starts scrambling up boulders on the salient ridge up from Chimney Pond. Mostly third class with some fourth class thrown in periodically. The route is blazed with blue paint on the rocks and is easy to follow (except perhaps in winter). There are 3 "Cathedrals" on the ridge which are basically just gendarmes. The route goes to the right of them for the most part. The hardest moves don't have too much exposure and it's mainly just a lot of fun.

After the third Cathedral, there is a short talus field followed by some more scrambling over a small hump in the ridge. Atop this hump the trail meets up with the Saddle Trail which is coming over from the saddle to your right. It's just a boulder field hike to the left and you are at the summit.

Essential Gear

None necessary unless you are winter climbing. Then it would require ice axe, crampon, etc. Summer months are just a hand over hand scramble but there is no water on the route after Chimney Pond.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images

View Cathedral Ridge Image Gallery - 9 Images