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Appalachian Trail: Katahdin Stream Campground to Mount Katahdin (Hunt Trail)
Hiking Trail
Hard
9.18 mi
4,216 ft
The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail on the top of Mount Katahdin.
This final segment of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail summits Mount Katahdin via the Hunt Trail. The centerpiece of Maine's Baxter State Park, Katahdin serves as the highest mountain in the state and even translates as "The Greatest Mountain" in the native Penobscot Indian language.
Along with the Abol Trail, this trailhead serves as one of the most common starting points to attempt a summit hike. There are a couple of options to approach the summit from the east, but they are significantly more challenging and often reserved for the more adventurous.
To avoid the crowds, be sure to get an early start. As with many of New England's high exposed peaks, the weather can be quite harsh at times, with a high possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
The trail climbs gradually from the campground to the first landmark, Katahdin Stream Falls. Here, you'll find a picturesque wooden bridge and beautiful 50-foot waterfall. This is also the last source of water along the AT heading north.
Following the falls, the trail steepens as the untamed forest begins to give way to a boulder scramble. As you get closer to the summit, you'll be welcomed with phenomenal, epic views. A dried spring and trail junction lie one mile from the summit.
Atop Mount Katahdin (synonymous with Baxter Peak), enjoy the breathtaking views from 5,267 feet. A large placard lies atop the summit and denotes the 2,189.1 miles separating this summit from Springer Mountain in Georgia. Whether day hiking or thru-hiking, enjoy the views from the summit—an excellent reward for your accomplishment!
Descend back down the AT to the Katahdin Stream Campground to round out the hike.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
This final segment of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail summits Mount Katahdin via the Hunt Trail. The centerpiece of Maine's Baxter State Park, Katahdin serves as the highest mountain in the state and even translates as "The Greatest Mountain" in the native Penobscot Indian language.
Along with the Abol Trail, this trailhead serves as one of the most common starting points to attempt a summit hike. There are a couple of options to approach the summit from the east, but they are significantly more challenging and often reserved for the more adventurous.
To avoid the crowds, be sure to get an early start. As with many of New England's high exposed peaks, the weather can be quite harsh at times, with a high possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
The trail climbs gradually from the campground to the first landmark, Katahdin Stream Falls. Here, you'll find a picturesque wooden bridge and beautiful 50-foot waterfall. This is also the last source of water along the AT heading north.
Following the falls, the trail steepens as the untamed forest begins to give way to a boulder scramble. As you get closer to the summit, you'll be welcomed with phenomenal, epic views. A dried spring and trail junction lie one mile from the summit.
Atop Mount Katahdin (synonymous with Baxter Peak), enjoy the breathtaking views from 5,267 feet. A large placard lies atop the summit and denotes the 2,189.1 miles separating this summit from Springer Mountain in Georgia. Whether day hiking or thru-hiking, enjoy the views from the summit—an excellent reward for your accomplishment!
Descend back down the AT to the Katahdin Stream Campground to round out the hike.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 1.07 mi | 535 ft | 9.4% |
| The Hunt Trail; from register to first wall | 2.62 mi | 2,277 ft | 16.4% |
| Hunt Trail Sign In to Katahdin Stream Bridge | 0.80 mi | 423 ft | 9.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 2.31 mi | 3,061 ft | 25.0% |
| Main St Climb | 0.93 mi | 643 ft | 13.1% |