21,300 Acres of A.T. Landscape Permanently Protected
This landscape conservation success led by the Forest Society of Maine and Northeast Wilderness Trust will protect the A.T.’s scenic beauty and recreational access.
Read MoreWelcome to Maine
The A.T. in Maine is wild, spectacularly scenic, challenging, and ultimately fulfilling. Maine’s tallest mountain, Katahdin, is the Trail’s northern terminus and typically the beginning or satisfying end of an A.T. thru-hike. Katahdin sits within Baxter State Park and is a sacred site to many Indigenous people, including the Penobscot Tribe.
282.0
A.T. Miles in State
33
Shelters
490'–5,267'
Elevation Range
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Did You Know?
Maine has the wildest feel of any area of the Trail and offers some exciting features that are uncommon elsewhere on the A.T., including wildlife like moose and loons and pristine lakes. The 100-Mile Wildness features a rocky, challenging terrain through dense forest with views of vast berry bogs and remote mirror-like ponds.
Maine is also famous for hosting the hardest mile of the Trail: Mahoosuc Notch. The notch challenges even the most intrepid hikers and going through this mile-long, boulder-filled canyon and is often likened more to scrambling than hiking!
Paul Burks
Need to Know
River & Stream Crossings
Maine is famous for its unbridged stream crossings (21 along the A.T.), which are often extremely dangerous after spring snowmelt and heavy rains. The Kennebec River, the widest unbridged crossing, has a ferry service sponsored by the ATC in the form of a canoe during hiking season. A white blaze on the vessel marks it as the official and historic route of the A.T.
Learn MoreA.T. Visitor Center in Monson
Everyone is welcome. Long-distance hikers are able to obtain information about the Baxter State Park hiker permit. Staff are available to help plan logistics for the 100-Mile Wilderness and Katahdin. Trail conditions posted daily. Community and day hike information also available. Open seasonally from June through October. Visit our Monson Visitor Center page for current dates and hours.
Note to those visiting: The center is located in the Monson Historical Society building on the town’s main street (Route 6/15).
6 Tenney Hill Rd. | Monson, ME 04464
413-200-0313
monsonvisitorcenter@appalachiantrail.org
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A.T. Long Distance Hiker Permit – Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park operates under a unique management system that prioritizes the park’s wilderness character. As part of that management, all A.T. hikers — Northbound Thru-Hikers (NOBOs), Southbound Thru-Hikers (SOBOs), Flip-Flop Thru-Hikers and Section-hikers — are required to get a free long distance hiker permit before summiting Katahdin. Permit cards must be picked up in person at the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station before climbing the Hunt Trail (the A.T. route up Katahdin).
NOBO thru-hikers and section hikers who have hiked continuously through the 100 Mile Wilderness (not left the Trail corridor to go back into a town) are eligible to stay at the Birches, the park’s campground for long-distance hikers. All other hikers must have either a campground reservation or a Katahdin Trailhead Permit to enter the park and hike the mountain.
Finish Well at Baxter State Park Friends & Family Guide to Baxter State Park Baxter State Park
Joseph Turner
Maine A.T. Clubs
Maine Appalachian Trail Club
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. Except for its limited role in Baxter State Park, the MATC is responsible for all Trail and Trail structure design, construction, and maintenance, for monitoring activities in the AT corridor, and for basic public information and education regarding the Trail in Maine.
Learn MoreA.T. Communities in Maine
There are 4 communities along the Appalachian Trail in Maine that have been recognized by the A.T. Community™ program. These towns are assets for everyone visiting the A.T. and nearby public lands, providing restaurants, supplies, recreation, historic resources and much more!
Jerry Monkman
News
Day Hikes on the A.T. in Maine
Take a look at these popular day hikes to explore in Maine
Report an Incident
While the Appalachian Trail is a relatively safe place to visit, that does not mean that there are not potential dangers while you are hiking or camping. If you see something, say something — this will help us keep the A.T. as safe as possible for our visitors.
Incident Reporting