Maine

The A.T. in Maine is wild, spectacularly scenic, challenging and ultimately fulfilling. Maine’s tallest mountain, Katahdin, is typically the beginning or the satisfying end of a thru-hike, a journey by foot of all 2,190+ miles of the A.T. that is undertaken by thousands each year.

Need to know

Maine is famous for its unbridged stream crossings, which are often extremely dangerous after spring snowmelt and heavy rains. The Kennebec River, the widest unbridged crossing, has a ferry service in the form of a canoe during hiking season. This is the A.T.’s official and historic route; fording the river is extremely dangerous because the water level can rise rapidly and without warning.

River & Stream Crossings

A.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.

Address: 6 Tenney Hill Rd., Monson, ME 04464
Phone: 413-200-0313
Email: monsonvisitorcenter@appalachiantrail.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/monsonatvisitorcenter

Note to those visiting: The center is located in the Monson Historical Society building on the town’s main street (Route 6/15).

A.T. Long Distance Hiker Permit—Baxter State Park

A free A.T. long distance hiker permit is required of all long-distance A.T. hikers: Northbound Thru-Hikers (Nobos), Southbound Thru-Hikers (Sobos), Flip-Flop Thru-Hikers and Section-hikers.

Long distance A.T. hikers must obtain a permit card in person at the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station before climbing the Hunt Trail (the A.T. route up Katahdin).

The number of AT-Hiker Permit Cards are limited to an annual Baxter State Park quota: 3150 A.T. hikers. If all available permit cards have been issued, “The Birches” long distance hiker campsite will close for the year. Hikers may complete their hike by obtaining a Day Use Parking Reservation (DUPR) or campground reservation. [Note: A hiker’s initial entry into Baxter will be on foot from Abol Bridge, not through Togue Pond Gate, even if “The Birches” is closed.]

For more information, please visit the Baxter State Park webpage.

Baxter Quota FAQs

Get Involved

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. Consider joining MATC today!

Appalachian Mountain Club

At AMC, connecting you to the freedom and exhilaration of the outdoors is our calling. We invite and help people of all ages and abilities to explore and develop a deep appreciation of the natural world. AMC helps you get outdoors on your own, with family and friends, and through activities close to home and beyond. With chapters from Maine to Washington, D.C., including groups in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia, you can enjoy activities like hiking, paddling, cycling, and skiing, and learn new outdoor skills. We offer advice, guidebooks, maps, and unique lodges and huts to inspire your next outing. You will also have the opportunity to support our conservation advocacy and research, youth programming, and work maintaining 1,800 miles of trails. We invite you to join us in the outdoors.

Randolph Mountain Club

The Randolph Mountain Club maintains a network of nearly 102 miles of hiking trails, principally on the northern slopes of Mount Madison, Mount Adams, and Mount Jefferson in the Presidential range of the White Mountain National Forest, and on the Crescent Range in the town of Randolph, NH. Learn more and become a member today at randolphmountainclub.org.

Dartmouth Outing Club

The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) was originally formed in 1909 to “stimulate interest in out-of-door winter sports”, and quickly grew to encompass the College’s year-round out-of-doors recreation. The club has undergone constant evolution over the course of its 100+-year history to meet the ever-changing needs of its members. Learn more and become a member today at outdoors.dartmouth.edu.

Green Mountain Club

The mission of the Green Mountain Club is to make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont’s hiking trails and mountains. Learn more and become a member today at greenmountainclub.org.

AMC Western Massachusetts

AMC-WMA’s Appalachian Trail Management Committee is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of the 90 miles of Appalachian Trail within Massachusetts, coordinating the extensive volunteer effort that keeps the trail open and beautiful. Learn more and become a member and volunteer today at amc-wma.org/at.

AMC Connecticut Chapter

AMC-CT’s Appalachian Trail Management Committee is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of the 52 miles of Appalachian Trail within Connecticut, coordinating the extensive volunteer effort that keeps the trail open and beautiful. Learn more and become a member and volunteer today at ct-amc.org/trails.

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor centers and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.