tomcat32
Active member
This is just my OPINION on what I feel are the best hikes in Maine. Please feel free to let me know what you think should or shouldn't be on this list.
1. Katahdin Loop from Roaring Brook-over Knife Edge-down Hamlin Ridge
The Knife Edge goes without saying. Long periods of alpine scenery unlike anything else in the east with very few people taking the Hamlin Ridge. 11-13 miles depending on route to beginning of Knife Edge
2. Acadia Traverse Starting with a Precipice climb over Dorr, Cadillac, Pemetic, Bubbles, Penobscot, Sargent, Bald, Gilmore, and Parkman. Exact route can vary slightly. Views of the ocean from every peak imbedded in the mountains of Acadia. They aren't that tall but after this 14+ miles you will ache like most 14 milers anywhere else in NE. The continuous up and down is worse than any 4000 footer. Go after September and have most areas to yourself, even crowded Cadillac.
3. Traveler Loop 11+ miles of alpine scenery and awesome views to Katahdin. Best of all hardly anyone uses this lonely loop in the northern end of Baxter. If you never been, forget about 4000 footers for a day and visit this gem. You won't be let down on a Prominence 50 Peak that seldom goes below treeline for the duration.
4. Bigelow Range Climb AT or Horn's Pond Trail and hit four peaks including West and Avery's Alpine summits. Descend Fire Warden's Trail for a roughly 14 mile loop with several overnight options. Grey jays enjoy the peaks. In winter see snowy Mt Washington and Katahdin in opposite directions from the two higher peaks. Can get crowded but it is a beauty.
5. Grafton Loop Trail A nearly 40 mile backpacking loop with numerous gorgeous vistas. Puzzle Mtn, Lightning Ledge, and best of all Baldpate on the east. Old Speck's tower takes in awesome views expecially a unique look into Mahoosic Notch and into the Presis. Sunday River White Cap is a quiet hidden alpine peak with great views. Numerous campsites make for many options overnighting. Best of all, there isn't much traffic apart from the section coinciding with the AT.
Hon. Mention
Roaring Brook, Hamlin, Northwest Basin, Russel Pond, Roaring Brook Hike deep into Maine's wild and see next to nobody in this remote section of Baxter. Usaually done in 2 nights but the hardcore can knock it off in a long day.
These are just my opinion like I said. What are your opinions?
1. Katahdin Loop from Roaring Brook-over Knife Edge-down Hamlin Ridge
The Knife Edge goes without saying. Long periods of alpine scenery unlike anything else in the east with very few people taking the Hamlin Ridge. 11-13 miles depending on route to beginning of Knife Edge
2. Acadia Traverse Starting with a Precipice climb over Dorr, Cadillac, Pemetic, Bubbles, Penobscot, Sargent, Bald, Gilmore, and Parkman. Exact route can vary slightly. Views of the ocean from every peak imbedded in the mountains of Acadia. They aren't that tall but after this 14+ miles you will ache like most 14 milers anywhere else in NE. The continuous up and down is worse than any 4000 footer. Go after September and have most areas to yourself, even crowded Cadillac.
3. Traveler Loop 11+ miles of alpine scenery and awesome views to Katahdin. Best of all hardly anyone uses this lonely loop in the northern end of Baxter. If you never been, forget about 4000 footers for a day and visit this gem. You won't be let down on a Prominence 50 Peak that seldom goes below treeline for the duration.
4. Bigelow Range Climb AT or Horn's Pond Trail and hit four peaks including West and Avery's Alpine summits. Descend Fire Warden's Trail for a roughly 14 mile loop with several overnight options. Grey jays enjoy the peaks. In winter see snowy Mt Washington and Katahdin in opposite directions from the two higher peaks. Can get crowded but it is a beauty.
5. Grafton Loop Trail A nearly 40 mile backpacking loop with numerous gorgeous vistas. Puzzle Mtn, Lightning Ledge, and best of all Baldpate on the east. Old Speck's tower takes in awesome views expecially a unique look into Mahoosic Notch and into the Presis. Sunday River White Cap is a quiet hidden alpine peak with great views. Numerous campsites make for many options overnighting. Best of all, there isn't much traffic apart from the section coinciding with the AT.
Hon. Mention
Roaring Brook, Hamlin, Northwest Basin, Russel Pond, Roaring Brook Hike deep into Maine's wild and see next to nobody in this remote section of Baxter. Usaually done in 2 nights but the hardcore can knock it off in a long day.
These are just my opinion like I said. What are your opinions?
