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4,756 ft · Katahdin, Maine

Hamlin Peak

Hamlin Peak is a 4,756 ft peak in the Katahdin, Maine. The standard route is the Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop: 10 mi, 4,438 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Hamlin Peak in the Katahdin, Maine

Hamlin Peak at a glance

  • Elevation4,756 ft1,449 m
  • RouteMount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak LoopClass 3
  • Distance10 mi4,438 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeKatahdinMaine

Climbing the Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop

From Millinocket, Maine, drive to Baxter State Park, where a Baxter State Park reservation is required for parking and camping in peak season. From Roaring Brook, the Chimney Pond Trail leads to the North Basin and Hamlin Ridge, a spectacular open Class 3 scramble to the summit north of Baxter Peak. The exposed alpine tableland is fully open to high wind, fog, and fast-moving weather, and rangers may close trails. Start early for the long day and carry layers and plenty of water. A wild, rugged peak in one of the East's finest ranges.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • GPS Device
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Microspikes
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • High winds
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Stream crossing
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Hamlin Peak

Peaks near Hamlin Peak

  1. Katahdin

    Katahdin

    5,267 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. North Brother

    North Brother

    4,151 ft · 3.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hamlin Peak?

Hamlin Peak is 4,756 feet (1,449 m) tall. It is in the Katahdin, Maine.

How does Hamlin Peak rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,756 feet, Hamlin Peak is the 14th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to climb Hamlin Peak?

The Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,438 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Hamlin Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop, covering 10 miles with 4,438 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Hamlin Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need microspikes for Hamlin Peak?

They help. Microspikes are on the gear list for the Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop for icy or packed-snow sections, which are common outside summer.

When is the best time to climb Hamlin Peak?

The usual climbing window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Hamlin Peak?

The Mount Katahdin and Hamlin Peak Loop starts at about 1,490 feet, roughly 3,266 feet below the summit.

Climb Hamlin Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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