Hopkinton Boy Scout Troop 4 reached a major milestone in their ambitious “Six Highest Peaks of New England” series when they successfully ascended Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

The Katahdin Challenge

Divided into teams of 12-13 year-olds and 14-15 year-olds, the scouts embarked on a challenging hike up Katahdin, navigating boulders and scrambling along the route. It was a rewarding experience for all when both groups reached the summit. The older group arrived first, while the younger team, slightly slower, completed the hike in approximately 11 hours. “We were so proud of each one of them!” exclaimed Assistant Scoutmaster Charusmitha (Smitha) Ram.

The arduous ascent challenged the scouts’ physical endurance. Upon reaching the summit, the troop paused to admire the breathtaking views, capture photos, eat, and recharge for the descent. The hike back down proved to be more demanding and mentally taxing, necessitating complete focus and caution. As Smitha noted, “Given the challenges, all scouts performed remarkably well, with no injuries.

Click on images to view in larger format.

Part of a Larger Goal

This trip to Katahdin is part of the Troop’s “Six Highest Peaks in New England” plan. According to Smitha, they began in 2018 and have now completed the whole cycle for the first time. The Katahdin hike marked noteworthy personal milestones for several scouts:

• Smitha’s 12-year-old son, Navin, completed the hike and loved it.
• Several of the older Scouts are close to completing all six of the highest peaks in New England and earning their badge.
• With the summit of Katahdin, scout Thomas Donahue, was the first to complete all six peaks, which is quite an accomplishment. Scouting is a family activity for the Donahue’s as Thomas’ mother is a leader and his sister is a member of Hopkinton’s Troop 11.

Hiking Katahdin plays an important role in learning the essential life and survival skills for Boy Scouts. Katahdin prepares them for greater challenges ahead, such as their two-week trek at Philmont in New Mexico.

Smitha’s Journey: From Chennai to the Peaks of New England

Smitha’s personal story gives an inspirational twist to the troop. Originally from Chennai, India, she has called America home for the past twenty years. Hiking was her husband’s hobby, and it became hers also after they married. Her first big hike on the East Coast was Mount Osceola in the White Mountains. Now Smitha is aiming to finish all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers and she has already bagged 36.

Smitha feels that scouting has profound benefits, especially in the friendships made and teamwork forged over these hikes. Scouts learn great lessons in cooperation, how to resolve disagreements peacefully and support one another when the going gets tough.

History of Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin

Percival P. Baxter was governor of Maine during the years 1921-1924. In 1930, the former governor purchased almost 6,000 acres of land, including Mount Katahdin. In 1931, Baxter formally donated the parcel to the State of Maine with the condition that it be kept forever wild. He continued to purchase additional parcels on land with his final purchase in 1962.

Demonstrating not only enormous generosity and impressive foresight, Baxter left a trust of nearly 7 million dollars to ensure that Park managers would have sufficient funds to maintain the Park without ever having to compete for Maine taxpayers’ dollars.

In his later years, reportedly governor Baxter would be driven through the park, and he would ask to stop so that he could get out to measure each road to ensure that it had not gotten any larger than it was when he donated the land. Baxter also stipulated that the roads were never to be paved.

Strict regulations govern the reservation of parking spots and campsites for hiking and camping, prioritizing Maine residents. Access to Katahdin is restricted to protect the delicate alpine ecosystem and enhance the visitor experience. Park management, as trustees of Governor Baxter’s deeds, are responsible for maintaining these protections in perpetuity.

In addition to Mt Katahdin, there are over 40 peaks and ridges in the Park. The trail system features over 215 miles of trails popular with hikers, mountain climbers and naturalists. Baxter State Park operates eight roadside campgrounds and two backcountry campgrounds. There are also numerous individual backcountry sites for backpackers.

“Man is born to die; his works are short-lived. Buildings crumble, monuments decay, wealth vanishes. But Katahdin in all its glory, forever shall remain the mountain of the people of Maine.”
—Percival Proctor Baxter