Mount Katahdin's Abol Trail - Baxter State Park
Hiking & Scenery

Abol Trail on Mt. Katahdin

Abol Campground to Thoreau Spring

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 2¾ mile
Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

This trail was originally opened by Nature herself when a great landslide in 1816 destroyed what was believed to be a cliff or cliffs. The slide is obvious from the Penobscot River and the early pioneers made good use of this naturally cleared route up Katahdin.

The trail leaves Abol Campground and heads northeast, ascending along a feeder branch of Abol Stream through thickly wooded spruce forests to a height of 3,200 feet and the beginning of Abol Slide. Caution is advised while ascending the slide; the rocks are loose and sometimes slippery. Be careful not to loosen any rocks, which might fall, injuring someone below; try to hike along the sides of the brush without getting into the brush. A level area of terrace called "Green Island" is soon reached, where an old camp (called Sewall Camp after Warden Frank A. Sewall) used to sit. After the terrace, the trail continues its ascent up the slide through the Needle's Eye. These large talus boulders present some serious hiking. Soon after the Needle's Eye, the trail reaches the Tableland at 4,700 feet and the walking is somewhat easier. Thoreau Spring (not a reliable water source) is reached in a few hundred yards. Abol Trail terminates at this point. Use extreme caution on the descent.

"It was so awe-inspiring as we started our climb in full sunshine and then the clouds began to creep over the top of the ridge and obscure the summit. Soon after we reached the top the clouds gave way to the sun again and wow! The views were spectacular. It was a most rewarding adventure and experience that we shall never forget. What an awesome mountain is the great Katahdin." - Dale & Vickie Bynum, Texas

Other Trails on Mt. Katahdin

The following are the popular trails going up Mt. Katahdin. Each trail features a page of photos so you can get a close look at what they are like.

Park Season & Gate Hours

For safety reasons, rangers at Baxter Park require you to start your hikes early enough to safely finish in daytime. The times are available at our lodge.

Additional Park Info

For more information on Baxter State Park, visit:

www.baxterstateparkauthority.com
www.friendsofbaxter.org