Six trails and 16 miles of skiing
and snowshoeing emanate from NEOC’s
Adventure Center.

Knife Edge Brewing opened in 2022 high on Hammond Ridge on the edge of the wilderness eight miles west of Millinocket. The structure’s modern design features tall picture windows and a large patio that looks north to majestic, mile-high Katahdin, Maine’s highest mountain, and the spectacular serrated ridge known as the Knife Edge. Knife Edge Brewing is an awesome spot to enjoy “Maine’s Wildest Beer,” but first you’ve got to earn it! Here are three good options.

Trout Mountain Preserve is right at the southern boundary of Baxter State Park. The Baxter Park Road usually stays open until the snow flies, so if it still is when you go, give this modest but beautiful peak a good look. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, a 2.6-mile trail leads to an 80-foot steel observation tower on the summit. Climb the six airy flights to drink in the incredible 360-degree panorama that ranges from Katahdin to the 100-Mile Wilderness.

When winter snows blanket the region, you won’t have to venture far from Knife Edge Brewing for outdoor fun. The brewery is housed in the Adventure Center, the trailhead for Katahdin Area Trails, a network of six trails and 16 miles of Nordic skiing (both classic and skate) and snowshoeing. Gear rentals are available here, too. The center and brewery, as well as nearby Twin Pine Camps and River Drivers Restaurant, are all part of the New England Outdoor Center.

Knife Edge Brewing features great craft beer
and excellent wood-fired pizza.

In the summer, when Baxter State Park reopens, you might consider tackling Katahdin. It’s a big hike and a long day no matter what combination of trails you take, so you’ve got to be prepared physically and mentally and carry the right gear in your pack. Knife Edge is optional, of course, but should you attempt it, make sure it’s a good weather day. The wildly airy and narrow 1.1-mile route, which connects Baxter Peak to Pamola, is not for the faint of heart.

When your day of outdoor fun and games is done and you’re thirsty and hungry, well, you know where to go. Settle in at Knife Edge Brewing and order one of their four craft creations, such as the popular hazy and juicy Cloud Works IPA. There are also eight guest taps. Pub grub is on the menu, so choose from wings, salads, and sandwiches, or go big with a most excellent wood-fired pizza. Enjoy it all in the shadow of the iconic Knife Edge.

When-You-Go RESOURCES

Knife Edge Brewing: www.fb.com/knifeedgebrewing

New England Outdoor Center: www.neoc.com

Trout Mountain: www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/trout-mountain-preserve

Katahdin Area Trails: www.katahdinareatrails.org

Baxter State Park: www.baxterstatepark.org

Story and photos by Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island. Carey is an avid hiker and beer drinker and the author of the new book, Beer Hiking New England.