Katahdin Hiking: Whole Knife Edge with Cliff Walk! and Chimney GoPro

A Rocky Start, But Gripping!
***GoPro recorded east-west traverse, beginning with the Chimney at Pamola. At age 64 I decide to make my third and final Knife Edge video, 5 years after my first, and 36 years after my first Katahdin ascent.
EAST-WEST is my RECOMMENDED Direction if negotiating the Chimney, but people successfully go the other way all the time--on my other GoPro video, it shows the point where it's difficult to find a hold even reverse-climbing
   • Katahdin Hiking: Whole Knife Edge w/Cliff ...   (24:20)

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DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS TRAIL IN ICY OR HIGH-WIND CONDITIONS--TALK WITH THE RANGERS.
Thinking through my difficult moment in the Chimney, I realize that, if I didn't have visual help, I needed to keep three strong points and cast about with my right foot until I found a fourth, then lower myself carefully to take a better look.
If you have a true FEAR OF HEIGHTS, avoid the Chimney--hike over to Chimney Peak from the Baxter summit, and return, avoiding the Skywalk in both directions.
Be aware that the wide-angle setting on the GoPro 1) exaggerates the uphill "slant" on the Skywalk and 2) makes the sides of the Knife Edge seem to fall away more sharply, making it appear narrower.

WORK GLOVE PSA from a BSP Ranger:
For Ascents and DESCENTS of Cathedral and Dudley Trails, and even Knife Edge TRAVERSE, Leather-faced WORK GLOVES can be Very Helpful for Maintaining Skin on your Palms. I recommend a Mesh Back for all but the coldest weather. (They can be easily stowed in a side pocket when not needed, and shouldn’t add much weight).

DISCLAIMER: This video is meant to give the viewer a taste of what may be encountered in a hike on this trail. It is NOT comprehensive, nor meant to be a substitute for careful planning and hike preparation, including consultation of the appropriate guidebook (AMC Maine Mountain Guide), online trail updates, and weather reports, nor does it substitute for actual hiking experience or safe hiking practice. A prospective hiker should consider his/her fitness level, quality of equipment, and hiking experience, along with need for hiking companions, before attempting any trail.
NO COPYRIGHT IS CLAIMED FOR MUSIC BY ALTURAS, album Desde el Equinoccio (1997).