How long to hike mount katahdin

There are 2 entrances to the park — the Matagamon Gate at the north and Togue Pond Gate at the south. The Togue Pond Gate is closer to the trails and probably the more commonly used entrance.

This trailhead is for the Hunt Trail. There is a gravel road leading up to the trailhead. This can be accessed by all cars. This trailhead is for the Abol Trail. There are separate parking areas for climbers who are camping overnight and those who are doing the day hike. The reservations are only carried out from June to October. Outside this period, parking is usually plentiful and no reservation is required.

From June to October, reservation is strongly encouraged. If you do not make a reservation, you may be turned away at the park entrance if there are no extra lots. You can only make up to 3 reservations per calendar month. For online reservations, you will need to sign up for an account and register your vehicle before you can make the booking.

For Maine residents , you can make a reservation for the summer after 1 April. You can select any day for that summer. For non-Maine residents , you can only make a reservation up to 2 weeks before your hike. You can try your luck at the Togue Pond Gatehouse. At 6 am, any unreserved lots will be filled up at a first come, first served basis. At 7 am, if there is any no show for any reserved lots, they will also be given out at a first come, first served basis.

Or you can consider spending a night at one of the campgrounds at the trailheads. However, the campgrounds tend to fill up very quickly as well. You can make the reservation online or through the Reservation Office You can check their availability here. You can make the reservation anytime. Make your bookings early! The campsites are usually booked months in advance. There are other campgrounds within the park. You can see the full list here.

If you are not camping near the trailheads, check with the Reservation Office for the parking arrangement for your climb. Check the Baxtor State Park website for the latest winter regulations and resources.

These are just a few of the hazards you may encounter. To find out more about these dangers and how to prevent them, check out this article. Skip to content Thinking of climbing Mount Katahdin? What Is In This Guide. Where Is Mount Katahdin? How Many Trails Are There? Are There Any Fees?

Other Important Information. Are you taking a belay test soon and wondering how to pass your belay certification? Learning how to belay is an important skill for any climber. The Traveler Loop summits three peaks, Peak of the Ridges, The Traveler and North Traveler Mountain and the hike requires a total elevation gain of 3, feet, only feet less than required of a Katahdin hike on the Hunt Trail.

The loop can be hiked in two directions, but we recommend the loop be traversed in a counter-clockwise direction, ascending the Center Ridge Trail from Upper South Branch Pond.

We recommend that hikers carry at least 2 quarts of water per person and more on hot days. This is a strenuous and long hike with extended exposure above treeline, so hikers should be aware of changing weather and prepared for a beautiful, but demanding hike. Preparation for a Traveler Loop Hike is the same as a Katahdin hike. Or try some suggestions based on the amount of time you have to spend:.

I have 2 hours, near Togue Pond Gate. I have 4 hours, near Togue Pond Gate. I have 2 hours, near Matagamon Gate. I have 4 hours, near Matagamon Gate. If you are day-hiking Katahdin, you may want to ensure your parking spot with a reservation. Please register at one of the two gatehouses coming in. If you do not have Maine plates on your car, there will be a fee for entrance.

Do NOT bring pets, firewood, drones, or more than 12 people per party. Know what to expect , and when it changes, know your limits. This is a Park Rule. Park Rule: for every five juveniles, there must be at least one adult. Plan at least as much time for the descent as the ascent. It takes a long time to get anywhere in the Park at 20mph. Build extra time into your day. Treat it as an emergency communication device. Save your battery. Enjoy the disconnection. You may take a chance that there will be unreserved spots if you choose to, but you may forfeit your chance to hike Katahdin that day.

All other trailheads are first come, first served, and though they may fill up and be closed, there is no reservation process.

Maine resident? After April 1 you can reserve one for any day of the summer. Up to two weeks before your hike. All: until 3pm the day prior to your hike. No more than 3 per calendar month. If these three lots are fully reserved, there are often no-shows and you may have a good chance to get in starting at am when parking reservations expire. Except for Katahdin access parking lots under the parking reservation system, all other parking lots are first come first served.

Skip to content HIKE. PLAN Find a trail, look at maps, read trail descriptions. Parkwide Trail Map. Download trail head map. If you have 2 hours, entering and leaving via Togue Pond Gate, we suggest: Cranberry Pond : This little gem of a walk starts within sight of Togue Pond Gatehouse and winds through the forest to arrive at a small pond with all sorts of bog plants, from cranberries to tiny sundew plants!

Stay on the bog bridges to protect the plants and keep your feet drier! Access is very limited in the winter, so guides usually recommend hiking Mount Katahdin between April and October. Peak season is in the fall when New England foliage colors are at their most vivid. After you drive through the gate, take an immediate right and continue for approximately seven miles. Roaring Brook Campground offers 10 tent sites, 9 lean-tos, and one person cabin.

Otherwise, the Bear Brook group camping area is situated approximately two miles down the road. Here are some trail stats, so you know what to expect, what to pack, and how to properly prepare. The 9. Over the course of those miles, you experience an elevation gain of 3, feet.

Pack high-energy, nutrient-dense snacks and meals, and remember to take emergency rations just in case you do get caught out for longer than you planned. This hike will do a severe number on your knees and feet, so be prepared.

Knife's Edge wasn't as scary as I expected, but I was also wearing rubbery gardening gloves that helped a lot. Going down Hamlin Ridge, we didn't see anyone and the views were spectacular; like a mini knife edge. Katahdin trails are great and easy to navigate. Winds can be quite strong and rain can spur up any moment that high up, so pack accordingly. Ended up being about Excellent hike but very very challenging. A lot of bouldering and steep elevation throughout the loop.

Hot damn, that's a great trail. On the one hand, I finished in 7. On the other hand, I can't fathom ever attempting this backwards! Going clockwise, everything is an absolute stroll once you crest Katahdin. The best views are on the ridge leading to, and the peak of Hamlin, as they include the entire valley as well as the Knife's Edge you just finished.

The one thing I wish I'd known: bring gloves! The last thing you want on this trail is numb fingers in the wind. Took me 9 hours. Challenging and plenty of beautiful views. Bring L of water and some snacks. Recommend being at the park when it opens at 6am to get an early start. Bring good bug spray. Use Navigator in the AllTrails app and join the other outdoor explorers who have completed this trail. Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop hard Length There is no overflow parking available for day hikers.

On this loop hike you will climb all the peaks of tallest mountain in Maine, also the terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Baxter Peak is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and is the high point of the state.

In total you will be climbing 3 distinct mountains on this loop hike including a side trip to Chimney Pond nestled in the center of your alpine loop trip. All trail junctures have been detailed in this guide. If you want to fully appreciate Mt. Katahdin in all its glory, this is the loop hike to make.

It can be done in one long day with an early start. Start off up the trail a few hundred yards until you see the trail split. You will want to head to your left up the famous Helen Taylor Trail. This ascent is breathtaking. Check out the photos to see the views you will see on your ascent. This is the first peak you will ascend on your way towards Katahdin.

Pamola is 4, feet tall but because of it's proximity to Katahdin Baxter Peak it is not considered a separate peak like Hamlin is to the north.

Chimney Peak is right next to Pamola. This arete ridge is sometimes only a few feet wide in some places so those with a fear of heights might want to think twice about going on as there is a lot of exposure if you fall.

While there you may forget that you are actually still in the Northeast and not on a peak in the Alps or high in the Rockies. This mountain truly feels like something you'd find in the Rockies out west. Take your time and enjoy your accomplishment. From this point onward you'll descend and cross a large, flat alpine plateau on your way to Hamlin Peak.

You'll know your at the top of this peak by the giant cairn that is on top. Check out the view down to the middle of this horseshoe-shaped mountain to Chimney Pond which you'll make a side trip to check out on the way down. Keep left and stay on the flat plateau. Taking a right will take you down the Cathedral Trail to Chimney pond, thus skipping Hamlin Peak and more great views.

Take a right up a little ways further to the summit of Hamlin. From this broad summit you can look back at your travels over the Pamola, the knife Edge, the top of Baxter and across the Tablelands. Soak it all in as your about to descend another cool ridge back to the treeline for a different perspective at Chimney Pond. Last great views of Hamlin as you round this pond. Black Flies - call the ranger station ahead of time to inquire about these nasties.

On most days above treeline you should be fine as it is usually windy. Bring a head net and long sleeves if you are worried. Follow signs to Millinocket and then turn right where the road splits at a high school onto Katahdin Ave. Go several blocks then take a left following signs for Baxter State Park which is about 16 miles away.

Reviews Sort by:. Rachael Trammell. October 26, Patrick Keane. October 18,