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

Hunt Trail on Mt. Katahdin

Northern End of Appalachian Trail - Katahdin Stream Campground to Baxter Peak

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 5¼ mile
Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

From Katahdin Stream Campground, the trail heads northeast paralleling Katahdin Stream, and ascends at a moderate grade through mixed forests and open areas. These areas are strewn with huge boulders of pink and white Katahdin granite. At approximately 1.1 mile, a side trail turns left and ascends 2.2 miles to the summit of "The Owl" (elevation 3,736 feet). Shortly after this intersection you will cross Katahdin Stream and have an opportunity to view Katahdin Stream Falls.

Ascending at a steep grade, the trail keeps to the southeast (right) of Whitherle Ravine and after 1.5 miles you will pass a "cave" formed by two large rocks. The next mile, known as the Hunt Spur, is very steep and difficult until you reach the "Gateway." After the Gateway, there is easier walking along the Tableland. (This section is exposed, so proceed cautiously or turn back in inclement weather.) The trail traverses the Tableland north approximately ¼ mile to Thoreau Spring. An unreliable water source, it is named for Henry David Thoreau, who climbed Baxter Peak in the 1800s. From the junction, Abol Trail descends south down a rough slide area (Abol Slide); Baxter Peak Cut-off heads north across the Tableland to the Saddle Trail and the Hunt Trail continues east across the Tableland a distance of 1 mile to Baxter Peak. A sign at Baxter Peak marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

"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