Helon Taylor Trail
Map
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | strenuous |
| Trail Type | linear |
| Distance | 2.9 miles (4.7 km) |
| Estimated Time | 3-4 hrs one way |
| Surface Type | rock |
| Elevation Range | 3,317 feet (1,011 m) |
| Total Ascent | 3,343 feet (1,019 m) |
| Features | peak, ridge |
| Trail Markers | blue paint |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | variable |
| Dog Friendly | no |
| Fees | park entrance |
Description
The Helon Taylor Trail starts to climb as soon as it leaves the Chimney Pond Trail. It is a steady climb up to a ridge. It is a much more gradual climb than any of the other trails up the mountain. Once up above treeline on the ridge you will get amazing views to the north, east and south. To the north you will seen Turner Mountain and Traveler Mountain in the distance. There is a bit of boulder scrambling before you get up on the ridge and on the final ascent up to the peak from the ridge.
There are some interesting boulders on the end of the ridge. One is rounded and angular and must have been shaped by the winds. Another is a large boulder sitting on several smaller boulders. A cairn has been built on top of the large boulder.
At Pamola Peak you will get spectacular views of the Knife Edge leading to Baxter Peak and surrounding Great Basin. You will also see the Saddle and Hamlin Ridge on the right.
Directions
For directions to the park go to the Baxter State Park page.
The Helon Taylor Trail is a short distance in the Chimney Pond Trail, which is accessed from the Roaring Brook Campground parking lot. This is the busiest parking lot in the park because it accesses most of the trails up Mount Katahdin. Parking reservations are required unless you are camping at Roaring Brook Campground. You can find more information about parking reservations here.
To access the Roaring Brook Campground from the Togue Pond Gatehouse turn right just past the gatehouse. Drive for 7.9 miles (12.7 km) and you will come to Roaring Brook Campground. Park here. You will find the start of the Chimney Pond Trail off the end of the parking lot past the Campground office. The Helon Taylor Trail is 280 years in the trail on the left.
This trail can also be used to descend the mountain. It joins up with the Dudley Trail and Knife Edge at Pamola Peak.
Other Trails in the Park
- Abol Trail
- Cathedral Trail
- Chimney Pond Trail
- Doubletop Mountain Trail
- Dudley Trail (Closed)
- Hamlin Ridge Trail
- Hunt Trail
- Knife Edge Trail
- Marston Trail
- Mount Coe Trail
- North Basin Trail
- Northwest Basin Trail
- Saddle Trail
- Traveler Loop Trail
- Trail Last Hiked: July 30, 2011
- Page last updated: April 12, 2020