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5,267 ft · Longfellow Mountains, Maine

Katahdin

Katahdin is a 5,267 ft peak in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. The standard route is the Hamlin Peak Loop: 10 mi, 4,442 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Katahdin in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine

Katahdin at a glance

  • Elevation5,267 ft1,605 m
  • RouteHamlin Peak LoopClass 2
  • Distance10 mi4,442 ft gain
  • Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeLongfellow MountainsMaine

Climbing the Hamlin Peak Loop

From Millinocket, Maine, drive to Baxter State Park. A Baxter State Park reservation is required for parking and camping, especially in peak season. The park is very popular in fall for foliage and as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The Hunt Trail (AT) and Knife Edge are the most popular routes. The Knife Edge involves exposed Class 3 scrambling with significant drop-offs. Weather changes rapidly with high winds, fog, and thunderstorms common. Rangers may close trails in bad weather. Plan for a long, rugged day of 8-12 hours. No pets or audio devices allowed in the park. Truly wild setting.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Sun Hat
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Heavyweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • Helmet
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • High winds
  • Knife-edge ridge
  • Slippery terrain
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Icy summit conditions

Katahdin on Yak

Climbers have shared 21 climbs of Katahdin on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Katahdin

Peaks near Katahdin

  1. Hamlin Peak

    Hamlin Peak

    4,756 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. North Brother

    North Brother

    4,151 ft · 4.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Katahdin?

Katahdin is 5,267 feet (1,605 m) tall. It is in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. It is also known as Baxter Peak.

Is Katahdin the highest point in Maine?

Yes. At 5,267 feet, Katahdin is the highest point in Maine.

How hard is it to hike Katahdin?

The Hamlin Peak Loop is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 4,442 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Katahdin?

Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the Hamlin Peak Loop, covering 10 miles with 4,442 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Katahdin?

The Hamlin Peak Loop needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 10 miles with 4,442 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Do you need a helmet for Katahdin?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Hamlin Peak Loop, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to hike Katahdin?

The usual hiking 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 Katahdin?

The Hamlin Peak Loop starts at about 1,490 feet, roughly 3,777 feet below the summit.

Climb Katahdin 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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