Near Hunt Trail
Katahdin summit from the Saddle Trail
Near Hunt Trail
At the summit looking towards the Knife Edge and Pamola.
Near Hunt Trail
The mist is rolling in.
Near Hunt Trail
The ridge.
Near Hunt Trail
The Hunt Trail offers pleasant autumn views toward Baxter Peak on the tableland near Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine.

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Hike Trail

Hunt Trail

4.9 (16 Ratings)
Summit Katahdin with picturesque views, a traverse, and a scramble.
4.7
mi
Distance
4,228
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWaterfallWildlife
Access Issues
Closed October 16 - May 30 for winter but varies based on weather conditions.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.67mi
Distance
4,228ft
Elevation Gain
33ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
5,266ft
High Point
1,071ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Trailhead Parking lot: Katahdin Stream Campground Real mileage is 5.2 miles one-way with an elevation gain of 4,188 ft (Not a loop) Round-trip travel takes about 7 hours depending on how busy the scramble zone is and your travel speed. Plan accordingly to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The Hunt Trail is one of the most popular trails to the summit of Katahdin (and the official end of the Appalachian Trail (AT)). This is because of the outstanding features along the trail such as picturesque Katahdin Stream Falls, the Boulders on Hunt Spur, the traverse of the Tableland, and extensive views in all directions, as 2.4 miles of the trail is above the tree line. As you enter Katahdin Stream Campground, keep left and follow the campsites until you eventually reach the trailhead. As you follow the trail, keep an eye out for blazes and paint on the rocks to guide your way. It is very difficult to get lost on this trail with markings about every 10 feet or so. If you prefer to have a map there is a Ranger Station at the campground selling maps for a small fee or you can use the Mobile App. About halfway through, you'll have class 2-3 scrambling for over a mile. Use caution, as there are sheer drops on either side. At one point early on in the scramble the only way to get above an area is to pull yourself up an iron bar that has been bolted into the rock. Be prepared for any kind of weather as half the trail offers little protection from gusting winds and rain.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
BT jackson