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- North Brother
4,151 ft · Katahdin, Maine
North Brother
North Brother is a 4,151 ft peak in the Katahdin, Maine. The standard route is the Via Marston Trail: 10 mi, 3,312 ft of gain, Class 2.
North Brother at a glance
- Elevation4,151 ft1,265 m
- RouteVia Marston TrailClass 2
- Distance10 mi3,312 ft gain
- Time7 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeKatahdinMaine
Climbing the Via Marston Trail
From Millinocket, Maine, drive to Baxter State Park and start at Slide Dam on the park road. The Marston Trail climbs steadily past a small pond before a steep, rough final pitch to the wooded summit with open outlooks toward Katahdin. Reservations are required for park entry in peak season, and the trail sees far fewer people than Katahdin itself. Footing is rocky and slick when wet. Start early for the long day and carry water and layers. A quiet, remote peak with a superb view of the Katahdin massif.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (20–30 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
GPS Device
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Stream crossing
- Remote location
- Slippery terrain
- Insects
Quests with North Brother
New England 4,000ersPeaks near North Brother
Frequently asked questions
How tall is North Brother?
North Brother is 4,151 feet (1,265 m) tall. It is in the Katahdin, Maine.
How does North Brother rank among the New England 4,000ers?
At 4,151 feet, North Brother is the 42nd highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.
How hard is it to hike North Brother?
The Via Marston Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,312 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike North Brother?
Most people take 7 – 8 hours round trip on the Via Marston Trail, covering 10 miles with 3,312 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike North Brother?
The Via Marston Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,312 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike North Brother?
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 North Brother?
The Via Marston Trail starts at about 1,190 feet, roughly 2,961 feet below the summit.
Climb North Brother 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