Death on Katahdin: And Other Misadventures in Maine's Baxter State Park

by Randi Minetor

Mount Katahdin, in Baxter State Park, is Maine's highest mountain. It is also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Tucked away in the remote North Woods, it is an adventure seeker's paradise. Hiking, climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing, back-country skiing, and ice-climbing are among the activities pursued there; and there has a been a similar range in the ways people have met their demise on the mountain and in the park.Randi Minetor gathers the stories of these fatalities, from falls to exposure to cardiac arrest; and presents dozens of misadventures, including hunting accidents, lightning strikes, and even more than one suspicious death. It's a fascinating addition to the North Woods canon.

Genres: Nonfiction

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2018

About the author

Crisscrossing America since 1992 in a quest to see all 50 states (done!), 431 national parks (76 to go), and more than 700 species of birds (623 so far), Randi and Nic Minetor bring their expertise and their love of the wilderness, American history, and birding to readers who share their many passions. A working writer for more than 40 years, Randi is now the author of more than 80 books in print under her own name, and a number of ghostwritten books on a wide variety of topics.

Reviews

[Ursula Johnson]

Death and Foolishness on Katahdin

This is another excellent entry in the Death In series. Far from being morbid, it is a valuable reference for the dangers found in the mountain in Baxter State Park. People who take the wilderness and weather conditions lightly often pay with their lives. Many of the people who lived were wise enough to know their limits and not test fate. This book is about others who did and some who suffered from the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Wise tips are provided at the conclusion that should be taken to heart that will ensure a safer outdoor experience. The author brings the stories alive and really gives you a feel for individuals, which is important. For me, the sadest tale was of a ranger who over extended himself and did not make it. An interesting read.

[Paul Preston]

I am glad that I went and climbed Katahdin before reading this book. Although it probably should be read first.
It was an interesting read although I wish there were maps in the book. I was able to picture a lot of the trails from the three times I have been on the mountain but I would have liked a map for the other trails. It was creepy knowing the spots and being right where people were freezing to death or falling over the edge.
As a recreational hiker this book gives good warnings. No matter your expertise or your preparation, sometimes bad luck happens. Therefore it is your duty to all those who attempt to rescue you or recover your body that you are as prepared as possible.

[Lex]

My grandmother grew up in Millinocket, so I go every summer. I always love going to Baxter State Park and seeing Katahdin, and reading this book gave me a new perspective on it. Plus, I have a family connection: George Legassey’s niece is married to my mom’s cousin, and we go to Millinocket with them every year. I was hoping George’s section would be a little longer, but I guess there just wasn’t a lot to say.

[Eric Robichaud]

Perfect read a few weeks before my Katahdin ascent 💀💀

[Lucia]

Overall the book was an interesting read having had a lot of familiarity with Baxter State Park and Katahdin. However, I felt that the author provided a lot of extraneous information that wasn’t needed to support the stories. Also, the editing was terrible: for a book published in Maine you would think they would know Tufts University is in Medford, not Cambridge.

[Nomar Slevik]

This was an interesting read. The efforts by search and rescue, both near and far, are tremendous. However, despite the interesting stories, there was a lot of extra information that, in my opinion, dragged the stories out. They were plenty interesting on their own and perhaps additional stories could have been added. Regardless, very well written and it kept my interest in wanting to finish it.

[Faith Watson]

To be fair, I am obsessed with Maine and all things Katahdin. But I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed the stories of rescue and recovery-it’s incredible what was accomplished even
Without a lot of modern technology.

[Gretchen Stokes]

With all due respect to the people who perished – this was just not a very good book. Something about the tone of the writing didn’t do any of the stories justice, nor make them as interesting as I should’ve been.

[Sesana]

Another excellent volume in this series. Informative and fascinating without being sensationalized. I hope there's more volumes on the way.

[Samantha]

Dryer than others I've read. Provided as much information as possible and shares that the park no longer releases names of victims. Good read overall!

[Madison]

Things I learned from this book: dear god please check the weather before you decide to climb any mountain but especially this mountain in Maine !!

[David]

A succinct and interesting read about the accidental deaths in Baxter State Park. I found it especially enriching being somewhat familiar with the region, having hiked Katahdin fairly recently.

[Meredith]

The author obviously did a lot of original research for the incidents in this book, and writes from a knowledgeable viewpoint about Baxter State Park.