The Pine Tree State
Maine
The AT's northern terminus, 3,200 miles of coastline, and wilderness bigger than many states.
Maine at a Glance
Katahdin
Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and is the most dramatic peak in New England
Boreal Forest
Maine's vast boreal forest stretches unbroken across millions of acres, making it the largest forest east of the Mississippi
Allagash Wilderness
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway runs 92 miles through undeveloped forest, one of the most remote canoe routes in the eastern US
Moose Country
Maine has the highest moose population in the lower 48, with an estimated 60,000-70,000 moose statewide
AT Northern Terminus
The Appalachian Trail ends (or begins) at Mount Katahdin's Baxter Peak, with 100 miles of the most remote trail in the East called the Hundred Mile Wilderness
Acadia
Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is the second most visited national park in the country, with 3.5 million visitors per year
When to Visit
June through October. Blackflies are intense May through mid-June at lower elevations. July and August are prime summer hiking months. September and October offer spectacular fall foliage with manageable bugs.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Millinocket
Gateway town for Baxter State Park and the 100-Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail, with outfitters and shuttle services for AT hikers.
Bethel
Western Maine town near White Mountain National Forest's Maine section, with access to Sunday River ski area and the Evans Notch corridor.
Bar Harbor
Island town at the entrance to Acadia National Park, with direct ferry connections and access to the park's 158-mile carriage road network.
Did You Know?
White Mountain National Forest extends into Maine, covering a portion of the western mountainous region near the New Hampshire border.
The Hundred Mile Wilderness in Maine has no resupply points, requiring thru-hikers to carry 10+ days of food through remote boreal forest.
Maine is 90% forested, the most forested state in the nation by percentage of land area.
Katahdin's Knife Edge is a 1-mile arrete with drop-offs on both sides, one of the most dramatic ridge walks in New England.
Grafton Notch State Park in western Maine protects a series of spectacular waterfalls, gorges, and natural arches carved by glacial meltwater.