King Ravine Trail VS. Cathedral Trail

[HapyHkngSmile]

Hi everyone!
I did the Cathedral Trail to Katahdin last year... It was very challenging and exposed... I am doing Adams in 2 weeks on the King Ravine Trail... Someone give me a pep talk... I freak myself out way too much before a challenging hike, when only to find small sections that make me numb, but it's all worth it

THANK YOU!

 

[blacknblue]

You'll be fine. King Ravine Trail is steep, but not exposed. I do the same thing with overhyping a trail and then realizing, "Oh, is that it?" I think you will find it enjoyable and challenging, but not at all death-defying. It stays safely in the bowl, not dancing on a narrow ridgeline.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

I agree with blacknblue. Of the two, Cathedral is tougher and has more exposure. Not that King Ravine is easy, by any means, and just watch your footing as you move up the big boulders. Don't psych yourself out about it.

 

[Toe Cozy]

I haven't done Cathedral but I did do King Ravine last summer and it was fantastic. I don't remember any feelings of significant exposure. It was steep and rocky. I don't have the best memory in the world, but I think the very top of the ravine was a ton of loose small rocks (is that called "scree"?) and that was a slightly tedious part of the hike for me. Have to be careful there. I do remember one tricky place going through the subway where another hiker gave us a hand down one section, but it could have been managed solo if needed. Just nice to have an extra hand. Hope you have beautiful weather. It's a great hike. Have fun!

 

[Jeff-B]

The "Subway" and "Ice Caves" alternate routes are by far the most difficult parts of the King Ravine trail and if you choose, you can by-pass it on "Elevated".

The upper ravine headwall does have loose scree, but you can stick to the sides for solid bouldering.
Overall the headwall seems steep from bottom to top, but the stone stepping and pitch angle offers releif everywhere.
Leaders should be careful dislodging loose rocks with consideration for parties below.

Its a fun route, enjoy!

I am off to Great Gulf Ravine this weekend and this is by far much more unerving for loose rock.

 

[dave.m]

My biggest concerns on King Ravine would be wetness and winds. I don't recall any particularly slabby sections (like Huntington) or climby sections (like Great Gully) but it would still be an awkward downclimb. Worst case, it the weather closed in on you in King Ravine, you could re-divert and go up Chemin Des Dames onto Airline.

Hope this helps,

 

[Chip]

Hi everyone!
I did the Cathedral Trail to Katahdin last year... It was very challenging and exposed... I am doing Adams in 2 weeks on the King Ravine Trail... Someone give me a pep talk... I freak myself out way too much before a challenging hike, when only to find small sections that make me numb, but it's all worth it

THANK YOU!

These are a few pictures of heading up Shortline/King's Ravine at the middle of April with Giggy, MEB and Drewski.

http://www.parazz.com/hires/44789843853_13281.jpg
http://www.parazz.com/hires/98993385790_13281.jpg
http://www.parazz.com/hires/11982128763_13281.jpg
http://www.parazz.com/hires/73616225385_13281.jpg
http://www.parazz.com/hires/09585969256_13281.jpg
http://www.parazz.com/hires/59153814539_13281.jpg
http://www.parazz.com/hires/88902285536_13281.jpg

This area is a maze of trails. Airline to Shortline to King Ravine Trail below Mossy Fall and up was our route. We did not explore the Subway, I would on another trip but it would have been wet and icey and time consuming.
The next mile involves about 1600' of gain. This is a combination of hiking, steps and scrambles. The views above, to our sides and below were fantastic. Every time I remembered to look up and around I was amazed at the views and how quickly they were changing and improving. After a final push, King Ravine climbs through the Gateway where the trail pops you out below the summit of Adams with a great view of Madison. It's a beautiful hike on a good day, steep but not vertigo steep.

 

[burg]

I've done both of these trails more than once they are different as others have said. Cathedral at night in high winds was a little hairy, but I actually got scared on King Ravine when I drifted too far left and got in some loose scree and it all began to slide underneath me. Luckily it stopped after a couple feet. Just be aware and you'll be fine. Have fun!

 

[deanmacg]

King Ravine is a total blast!!!

 

[Lovetohike]

I wouldn't bypass the Subway. It's one of the most unique and cool features of a trail in the White Mountains. It gets a little picky in spots, but it's great fun.

One of the most spectacular views in the White Mountains is looking back into King Ravine from the Gateway at the top. There are some huge pretty vertical slabs all around that add drama, but you don't have to climb them. The trails goes up a cleft in the middle. David Metsky has some great pictures of this trail on his web site.

Personally I like the main King Ravine trail up the headwall rather than the Great Gully or Chemin des Dames. But once you top out on Adams, I'd suggest going down the Air Line for the mini knife edge at it's upper reaches, and more sweeping views into the ravine and over to Crag Camp.

Be prepared for some pretty tedious bolder hopping on the long approach to the bowl of the Ravine. This part of the trial will take you longer than you may expect.

Have a great trip!

 

[Quietman]

Here is a picture from the Great Gully Trail that gives an idea of the steepness of the King Ravine Trail on the headwall.
King Ravine Trail

The trail ascends the slide in the center of the picture. Again, nothing technical, just steep. King Ravine is my favorite spot in the Whites. I've only hiked 30 of the 48 4k's, but have been to King Ravine 6 times, with more visits to come.