Katahdin, the prelude

A mountain only fit for a 2,000 mile climax and well-tempered minds and legs, Katahdin is the Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It is the whitest whale of the seas, a 5,268 foot peak looming above all around it. Hikers eager to finish their months of torment and joy are confronted with a 4,000 foot climb over 5.2 miles, easily the most difficult single ascent on the entire path. It is bizarre and possessive- dominating the horizon in a mass of granite that shadows all around it. There is no mountain which rivals it in peril or glory, it is the mightiest peak.