The climb is gradual here, nothing like the slide, and, in 0.3 mile, you move up over a ledgy section along the lip of the plateau. A brief sprint above the Tableland brings you onto 5267-foot Baxter Peak. The actual climb in this last part of the hike is moderate, but the trail is extremely exposed. Don't get caught here in inclement weather. Climatic conditions on Katahdin rival those of Mount Washington in severity.
Storm systems can move in without warning in just minutes.
Be prepared to head down. Due north, across the majestic South and Great Basins, are Katahdin's three northern peaks. To the southeast is South Peak, connected, on its left, by the Knife Edge to Chimney Peak and Pamola. From here, you begin to get an idea of the mountain's massive size. Pack along a USGS 15' Katahdin map.