Katahdin via Hunt Trail
Forest, boulder fields, iron rungs, exposed tableland, and the final approach to Baxter Peak compress an expedition into a long day.
Artwork inspired by Jamie Wyeth
The Appalachian Trail ends with a severe climb over Katahdin’s Hunt Spur. Forest, boulder fields, iron rungs, exposed tableland, and the final approach to Baxter Peak compress an expedition into a long day. Summit significance never reduces the physical or weather risk.
Secure the correct trailhead parking, start at gate opening, and turn around according to time and conditions rather than summit emotion. This is a strenuous alpine route with exposure, no pets, strict gate rules, and rapidly changing weather. At Katahdin via Hunt Trail, route choice and environmental conditions matter more than headline mileage or a single map pin.
- Distance
- About 10.4 miles
- Gain
- About 4,200 feet
- Trail
- Appalachian Trail terminus
Quick guide
- Start with
- Secure the correct trailhead parking, start at gate opening, and turn around according to time and conditions rather than summit emotion.
- Look closely at
- Compare Tableland with Baxter Peak; the relationship reveals something the headline feature alone cannot.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Secure the correct trailhead parking, start at gate opening, and turn around according to time and conditions rather than summit emotion.
- Look closely at
- Compare Tableland with Baxter Peak; the relationship reveals something the headline feature alone cannot.
- Connect the story
- Treat forest, Hunt Spur, Tableland, and Baxter Peak as distinct stages whose hazards and effort accumulate across the day.
- Plan around
- Check current conditions before leaving, set a turnaround time, and preserve enough daylight to examine Baxter Peak rather than rushing past it.
Good to know
This is a strenuous alpine route with exposure, no pets, strict gate rules, and rapidly changing weather.
Notice these
- Hunt Spur boulders
- Tableland
- Baxter Peak