When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Of course, the first thing to do is to ensure that you have a good backpack and the necessary pack accessories. Maine is arguably the hardest part of the Appalachian Trail. As a commitment towards our readers, Hiking Gear Lab is giving you all information and facility to book hotels and Airbnb's at the lowest prices available online. The western section of Maine’s AT roams through Grafton Notch State Park in the Mahoosucs Range, a stunning part of the White Mountains on the border with New Hampshire. See our Appalachian trekking gear list here it should help you select only the must-have items! The Appalachian Trail travels 281 miles in Maine. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association work together every year to create the most up-to-date guide on the Appalachian Trail. Pass by Moxie Pond today and climb Moxie Bald. Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure | Site Map. This is where it all begins (or ends). For a side trip, the 3.7-mile Camp Smith Trail connects the A.T. to panoramic views, including of … On the other hand, if it is going to be cold you will want to bring along warm clothing and maybe the appropriate stove. In Maine, the all-volunteer Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) maintains and protects the 267-mile section of the Appalachian Trail extending from Katahdin in Baxter State Park to Grafton Notch at ME-26. The Maine Appalachian Trail is a tough, tough place to hike. Use the calculator below to get a quick quote. See our complete guide to the Appalachian trail, or visit our section guides. The state is even home to Mahoosuc Notch, which is widely billed as the hardest mile on the Appalachian Trail. Here's a guide to the Maine Appalachian Trail with all you need to know. An historic stone shelter, built in 1934 by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) is perched on the summit.Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Neels Gap is t… Furthermore, some of the towns don’t have full grocery stores. Length: 78.5 miles (0 to 78.5)Highest Point: 4,458 ft (Blood Mountain)Overview and Why it is Awesome: Springer Mountain has become an iconic landmark for the Appalachian Trail. It is actually where the hardest mile of the AT, Mahoosuc Notch, is found. The 8 Best Socks For Hiking In Cold Weather, What Material Provides Warmth Even When Wet, Best Texas State Parks For Hiking And Camping, Picking A Career That Involves Plenty Of Travel And Hiking, The 7 Best Women’s Winter Hiking Pants Of 2021. Due to its remoteness, the trail is not maintained at the same standard as other sections. Volunteers and trail enthusiasts maintaining and managing 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust (MATLT) has been guiding hikes for the public to the Four Ponds area for years, and its popularity has only increased. The Maine section is now 281.4 miles in length, stretching across beautiful and rugged country. This will help you select the appropriate gear. The elevation today is not easy, but it is more mellow than the previous several days. You will hike over Saddleback Mountain, which has memorable views. The most exciting bit while hiking at the AT is the presence of bears; which might snatch your meals from you. Trail: Appalachian Trail northbound. Permits: There are no permits required to hike the Maine section of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking the entire trail in a single session takes a lot of time. Take ample time to prepare for the final section. There are four big ups and downs before finally descending to the shelter. This section is located in a very rugged and remote area with the wildest feel. It is also wet and muddy all the time. The footpath travels through a corridor of protected lands that is, on average, 1,000 feet wide. However, if you are going on a long hike, it is better to park in an area that is less remote. This day ends with a gradual hike up Wyman Mountain. Because of its difficulty, this is not as popular of a section to hike. This section of trail is mentally taxing as well since hikers have reached the final state and are ready to be done. Factor two days for that hike because it is strenuous. The part of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is said to be the most difficult. Maine is the A.T.’s most challenging, rugged and remote state, and it has the wildest feel of any area of the Trail even for the most seasoned hiker. Get there early enough to go for a dip. It is said to be the longest trail in the world. BROWNVILLE, Maine — A hiker had to be flown to safety Sunday from one of the most remote and difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail after he started experiencing chest pains. September is a good time to go for hikers who want to see the leaves changing. They include wildlife like moose and loons as well as pristine lakes. At the AT, you don’t need to pay any fee or paid permit in order to hike. The elevation changes in Maine are drastic. Hike up South and North Crocker Mountains then in the day in Stratton. Aislinn Sarnacki Pass by several ponds today and hike into Rangeley for the night. Getting to the Trail: The Maine section of the Appalachian Trail begins near the town of Gorham, New Hampshire and ends near the town of Millinocket, Maine. Is it at the trail-head or at a place that is less remote? You must also ford Carrabassett River and camp on the other side. This is a short but very steep section of the trail, able to be hiked in a single day or afternoon. From there, you can pack all the cooking gear, food, drinks, clothing, sleeping gear and toiletries that you need. After coming up with your plan and gathering all hiking gear in your backpack, you are good to go. Upon completion of Maine, we recommend renting a car to get back to the airport. Greylock, MA. Definitely, it is important to locate resupply points along your intended route. It works both for thru-hikers and those who only want to trek a section or two. Your request cannot be processed. The trail encounters lakes, bogs, hand over hand climbs, mountain vistas, a ferry across a river and a one hundred mile wilderness. This section is located in a very rugged and remote area with the wildest feel. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, out of the 1,500 to 2,000 hikers who try to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail every year, only 200 to 300 hikers succeed. It is actually where the hardest mile of the AT, Mahoosuc Notch, is found. Nevertheless, it is also undeniable that the section contains beautiful vistas of lakes and mountains. The mountain is mostly exposed, so it’s worth waiting for a clear day. It consists of a small corridor of protected wilderness surrounded by large tracts of public and private land controll… Then there’s Mount Katahdin, the final and hardest climb on the trail. This is the last town before the 100 Mile Wilderness. How to prepare for the Appalachian Trail? Decide on where you want to park. It’s 267 miles of hard walking with root choked trails, relentless mountains, and potentially frightening water crossings when it rains, which is often. Thanks to the efforts of Myron Avery, a Maine native, the trail was completed on August 14, 1937 with the clearing of a two-mile section in the Maine woods. Check out the observation tower on Old Speck Mountain at the beginning of today’s hike. Read on to get a comprehensive Appalachian Trail Section Hike Planner. How to start hiking the Appalachian Trail? The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) is an all volunteer, nonprofit corporation that was organized on June 18, 1935, to assume responsibility for the management, maintenance and protection of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Maine. With the help of a good planning, you are guaranteed comfort throughout the hiking period. You can leave your gear at the ranger station if you wish and hike carrying only snacks and water. Be sure to check the weather forecast before attempting Katahdin. It takes five to seven months to thru-hike the trail while a section hike can take two or more months. Hikers get to take a boat across the river, which is the official way to get across. Kennebec River is on today’s itinerary. Therefore, what may look good to one person may not to somebody else. Maine is the final state on the Appalachian Trail and is 282 miles long. Appalachian Trail in Maine The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, otherwise referred to as Appalachian Trail or simply, A.T., is a marked hiking trail that spans 14 states, from Georgia to Maine. For information about the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and how to become an Appalachian Trail maintainer on a section in Maine, visit MATC.org. The trail passes by Caratunk, so go into town if you need anything. Suggested Section Hikes in Maine Caratunk to Monson (S to N) – 37 miles If it is going to be sunny you will want to carry lighter clothes and probably sunscreen including sunglasses. We are supported by our readers. To do this, you will have to get yourself a detailed topographical map. There are lots of mountains and mud and rocks and roots, but the weather is just so unpredictable and nasty! Today is a rough hike in terms of elevation change. 2. It is true that different people have different tastes. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'hikinggearlab_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',120,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'hikinggearlab_com-box-3','ezslot_1',110,'0','0']));Hiking half the Appalachian Trail can, therefore, take around three months. One might also use the parking area on the east side of 201, then venture along the trail for as long as you wish. Big section of Maine starting at US Rte 2 in Gorham, NH going north.Then picked up a short 16 mile section in Massachusetts on a 10 hike from Kent, CT to Mt. How to plan a section hike on the Appalachian Trail? The best way to learn how far the AT in Maine USA is going to test your physical ability, is to go on some day-long hikes in your own country. More than 2 million people are said to take a hike on pa… Hikers can really get away from the crowds in Maine. Here is a simple tip, if the section is not that long, you can park at the trail-head. Perhaps the most well known is the 100 Mile Wilderness. This is yet another essential factor to consider. Maine is a state of extremes in every sense, including the terrain. Remote and relatively undeveloped, this section is as close to a true wilderness experience as you’re going to get on the bustling Appalachian Trail. As the name implies, this is 100 miles with no towns or resupply points. Get your gear in the pack and go for a hike with it prior to getting to Maine. Ford a river then continue on a gradual uphill to the campsite. At 6269 feet, it’s the highest point in Maine and, in my opinion, one of the most inspiring places, not just on the AT, but in the world. Resources. It is certainly a place to visit if you are seeking that kind of adventure. You will be climbing three mountains today: Moody Mountain, Old Blue Mountain, and Bemis Mountain. Ford the Piscataquis River and enjoy a relatively flat hike. A mission we’ve been carrying out since 1935. There just aren’t as many opportunities to spend money. Your pace will be slower than what is typical because of the significant elevation changes. Since thru-hiking the AT takes five to seven months, it will sum up to $ 5000 to $ 7,000. Check out the Maine Appalachian Trail Club for more info. View Appalachian Trail hotels and apartments on Stay22. There are bogs that must be waded through, and some sections have limited trail markers.Maine can be a challenge in terms of resupplies. * 2006-2011 data compiled by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The western section includes a mile-long (1.6 km) stretch of boulders at Mahoosuc Notch, often called the trail's hardest mile. We have gathered the best sections on the Appalachian Trail for a weekend or week long backpacking trip. This will help avoid ugly incidents like the car being broken into. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is one incredibly awesome feature located in the Eastern United States. Best Time: The best time to hike in Maine is summer, late spring, and early autumn. It can take over 6 months to complete. However, we do not recommend Maine for first time, solo hikers. The trail today is a rare flat day of walking. Blood Mountain is the first big mountain for Northbounders. Be prepared for lots of elevation change, long stretches between resupply, less trail towns and road crossings, frequent stream crossings, and cold weather. The northernmost section of the Maine Appalachian Trail is called the 100 Mile Wilderness, and it’s about … Read More » Enjoy the downhill because this day ends with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It would be wonderful to do it again. There are long stretches between towns, the longest of which is 100 miles. How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail? There’s a full grocery store in Stratton, so replenish your food supply if you need to. That was a lifetime experience that took six months of backpacking (over several years) and three large section (plus one small) hikes to complete. Along this extremely challenging section of the AT, the route passes over a series of rugged 4,000 foot mountains and then runs through gentle forest with lakes and streams. What is the hardest Section of the Appalachian Trail? Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer with the MATC – There are MANY opportunities for volunteers to help the MATC preserve and protect the Appalachian Trail in Maine… The map is however not very necessary during the hike as the AT is well marked. How much does it cost to Hike the Appalachian Trail? A plaque on the trail near Sugarloaf Mountain marks the spot and where the 75th anniversary was noted in 2012 by a “hike-in” organized by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. There is no proper grocery store in Monson, so it would be a good idea to mail a resupply box to yourself. It’s followed by Mahoosuc Arm, a steep climb that many hikers argue is the second most difficult mile on the Appalachian Trail. Hikers must walk 16 miles from the town of Gorham, New Hampshire in order to get to the Maine border. If you plan to hike any of the Appalachian trails, make sure that you are adequately insured for up to 4,000m. You successfully submitted your question! Maine Map of Appalachian Trail – General overview of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Getting to the Trail: The Maine section of the Appalachian Trail begins near the town of Gorham, New Hampshire and ends near the town of Millinocket, Maine. You can fly into Boston’s airport and take a bus to the town of Gorham, New Hampshire to begin your hike. Most of the Appalachian Trail is clearly marked, and with proper planning and preparation hikers can go alone. In 2019 they included 50 updated maps, professionally crafted elevation profiles, and comprehensive tables for more easy access to the information while trekking. A hiker who has been on the trail before will spend less just to replace worn out gear. Miles: 282 Rating: 2 – Epic Elevation range: 490′ – 5267′ Mountains: 16, ending at Mt. Maine Appalachian Trail Club. Since its inception in the 1920s, thousands of volunteers have worked tirelessly to maintain, manage, and protect the Appalachian Trail. This will be of great help if you have to run a shuttle in order to get to your car. The Appalachian Trail in Maine is 2,168 miles long and runs along the Appalachian Mountains in North America: from Georgia to Maine. The Appalachian Trail Conservancydescribes the Appalachian Trail as the longest hiking-only trail in the world. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Guides: The vast majority of hikers do not hire guides for the Appalachian Trail. Hiking at the AT doesn't have to be a daunting task. The plan is pretty much the larger part of the preparation process. Also, remember to carry a first aid kit. The trail meanders through classic northern Maine forests, across bogs and over small ridges on its way to Hurd Brook Lean-to, … It’s best to get a few weeks of backpacking experience before taking on this state. We will get back to you soon. This will cost $ 1,000 to $ 2,000. 2018 Maine IAT Trail Guide 06.26.2018 1 THE INTERNATIONAL APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN MAINE INTRODUCTION The Maine segment of the International Appalachian Trail--Sentier International des Appalaches (IAT-SIA), beginning at trailhead parking on the Katahdin Loop Road (near mile 12 of the Loop Road), is 138.4 miles (223 km) Please try again. There is no convenient public transportation option between these two towns. The trail is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) long, though the exact length changes over time as parts are rerouted or modified. Note, depending on where you wish to begin and end, the are countless variations to these hikes. The Maine section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) rolls 281 miles from the New Hampshire border up to Mount Katahdin. There are more than 250 free shelters located few meters away from each other. These will lead you to towns where you get the resupply points. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (or ATC) believes the 281.4 miles (452.9 km) of the trail in Maine are particularly difficult. The 26th Annual Meeting of the Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail will be held – virtually via Zoom – at 4:00 pm EST, Friday, October 9th, 2020. There’s a long, flat stretch today so push for bigger miles. You can fly into Boston’s airport and take a bus to the town of Gorham, New Hampshire to begin your hike. trail Facts. It is called Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker's Companion. It has stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Rural taxis are also available though not very easy to find. Check the seasonal weather and how long the trip will last. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) was completed in Maine in the 1930s. This section of the trail is crossed by several logging roads and is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. There are longer stretches of wilderness than anywhere else along the Appalachian Trail. On the AT, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy suggests $ 1,000 per month for an average thru-hiker. There’s a camp-store at Abol Bridge that sells hot meals and snacks. Overall, there’s just not a lot of people out in the vast expanse of Maine wilderness.There are several famous, must-experience spots in Maine. Book Your Stay Now. Mile Marker: 1,792 Distance: Roughly 100 miles A short walk west at the crossing brings one to the Kennebec River, a crossing point for hikers. We recommend World Nomads. Additionally, the majority of hopeful thru-hikers have quit their hikes before reaching Maine. This makes it unfit for beginner backpackers. This will also allow you to break in your hiking shoes and increase your fitness level.For your exercise routine, we recommend building a combination of hiking, cycling, swimming or rowing to get your heart rate up three times a week.It is a good idea to build your endurance rather than run at a high intensity as this section of AT is quite strenuous. A first-time hiker will definitely need to purchase hiking gear. Aim for Monson, Maine today. A number of Hikers who successfully thru-hiked the AT named the White Mountains of the New Hampshire as the most beautiful. Accommodation: Hostels and motels can be found in the towns of Grafton Notch, Bethel, Andover, Rangeley, Stratton, Caratunk, Monson, Greenville, White House Landing, and Millinocket. It consists of several stream crossings, some of them being quite dangerous during times of high water. (See the Caratunk article.) There is a stream crossing before reaching the shelter. Other sections that have been mentioned to be the most beautiful include: Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'hikinggearlab_com-box-4','ezslot_7',138,'0','0'])); Section-hiking the Appalachian Trail will definitely require a lot of preparation. As an Amazon Associate, Mountain IQ earns from qualifying purchases. Overall, this section is considered among the most difficult on the entire trail, and much of your time will be spent struggling up and down steep, slippery slopes, through alpine bogs, and across fast-flowing streams. This section also has interesting features that you won’t easily find in other parts of the Appalachian Trail. They do all have viewpoints. The lean-to tonight is beside a pond. Don’t underestimate this section of the AT; it is arguably the most difficult state along the trail and takes nearly a month to complete. Therefore, the Maine Appalachian Trail Conservancy operates a ferry in order to see trail users safely to the other side. Description. Resupply on food while you’re here. The part of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is said to be the most difficult. Lodgings near the trail usually charge a very small fee for car parking. Katahdin Most difficult section: Mahoosuc Notch Widest unbridged crossing: Kennebec River (free ferry service available). The trail is not maintained as frequently as in the other states, there is more distance between resupplies, and there are less people out hiking. This month marks the 80th anniversary of the #AppalachianTrail, which passes through 14 states from It is indisputable that camping tents are among the heaviest hiking gear. I started this trail in Georgia at age 22 and finished in Maine at age 49. It is undeniable that the Maine section of the AT is the hardest. Today is full of lots of small ups and downs and several ponds. It’s kind of like Southern Maine’s sweet cousin—miles of serene, wooded trails with a fraction of the rocks and roots of … So if you are planning on jogging, running 5km about 2-3 times a week at a consistent pace should be the intensity that you are aiming for. We wouldn’t recommend the Maine section for a first time backpacker. The first section of the trail was constructed in Harriman State Park in New York in 1922; the final section was added in Maine in 1937. Also, don't be surprised when you find yourself at a busy highway. This budget should be part of your planning. Plan on hiking less miles per day than what would be typical for you. Never fear though, Maine becomes a lot friendlier as the trail winds north. Ensure that you have it as light as possible, ideally under 10kg. Mount Katahdin is a tough climb, so wake up early to ensure that you finish before nightfall. It is popularly known as the Appalachian Trail or just A.T. The trail is a stretch from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine, about 3500km. He grew up in Shirley Center, Massachusetts, reading the work of American naturalists and poets and taking long walks in the mountains of Massachusetts and Vermont. The Hundred-Mile Wilderness is the section of the Appalachian Trail running between Abol Bridge just south of Baxter State Park and Monson in the state of Maine. There is no convenient public transportation option between these two towns. This will help you locate shelters, campsites, water sources among others. There are several view points today. Several miles into the hike you will emerge from the 100 Mile Wilderness and cross Abol Bridge. What is the most beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail? From the trailhead, the trail enters the 100 Mile Wilderness, a section of the Appalachian Trail with no public road access. You will have to find a good source of information which you will rely on while hiking. In the central section of Maine’s AT is the 36,000-acre Bigelow Preserve. Push for a bigger mileage day, so you can get through the 100 Mile Wilderness without running out of food. This is a strenuous and difficult section of trail. Take a long break to eat and restock on snacks for the final day. However, due to modifications and rerouting of some parts, the length of the trail keeps on changing. The Mahoosuc Range to Maine Highway 17. Whether it's your finishing point for your thru hike of the trail or the start of your adventure, Maine is a magical place. Hikers must plan ahead and mail resupplies to themselves or deal with eating less than ideal meals. It is generally considered the wildest section of the Appalachian Trail, and one of the most challenging to navigate and traverse. This stretch has a few more ups and downs than the previous day but isn't too strenuous. I got a taste of that (again) when I backpacked from Stratton to Rangely for 4 nights and 3 days, last week. Today is almost completely flat and is approaching the end of the 100 Mile Wilderness. The Maine section of the trail is 282 mile long and is more rugged than any of the other sections. Hike over Lone Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain to get to the campsite. This is why you need a very good planning. It is possible to find trekking agencies that will take you on a guided hike. Mahoosuc Notch is a valley filled with boulders from a rock slide that hikers must crawl over and under. This is a difficult day of hiking because you will be crossing over Mahoosuc Notch, the most difficult mile on the Appalachian Trail. Along the Appalachian Trail, it is quite easy to find hiker shuttles. Hikers looking for short and medium-length jaunts can access the trail from inside the park. Read More The Maine Chapter of the IAT receives generous support from the following partners So, those who do not have enough time for thru-hikes opt for section hikes. You will pass over Bigelow Mountain and back down again to the campsite. There is also Mahoosuc Notch, known to be the most difficult mile of the Appalachian Trail. Cost of Hiking AT in Maine: There are not as many opportunities to go into trail towns as in other states, so the overall on trail cost will be lower. You’re probably running out of food, so do nearly 20 miles today. Learn More. Benton MacKaye (1879-1975) first published the idea. From the tedious Mahoosuc Notch, to the massive Bigelow range, through the speckled lake country, to Baxter Peak on Katahdin, the Maine Appalachian Trail is sure to amaze all who walk its path. The other essential part of the preparation process is packing the necessary hiking gear. Always, plan your travel and enjoy the trip. The Appalachian Trail crosses U.S. Route 201 at Caratunk. While planning a hike to the Appalachian Trail, you will have to consider the following factors : Determine the difficulty of your intended route. Difficulty: This section of trail is strenuous. This makes it unfit for beginner backpackers. The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. There are no bridges over streams; hikers must ford them. The memories will last the rest of my life. The Appalachian Trail might be a footpath, but in at least one small section, the officially sanctioned mode of travel is not on foot—it’s by boat. You are likely to encounter this more frequently than you expect. 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