Hike the 100-Mile Wilderness
Set in the secluded Maine Wilderness is the most remote stretch of the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful and rugged landscape where you can get away from the modern world. As the northernmost dedicated hiker service along the Appalachian Trail, we are the go-to resource for hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness and Katahdin. Over the years we have helped thousands of hikers complete their dream of hiking this famed section of the AT. Whether it be logistics, shuttles, lodging, food resupply, or gear rentals, we have you covered.
Highlights
We can help you with the logistics including which hike will fit your timeline, the best locations to get on/off the trail, where to camp, how many miles to hike each day, and more. We simplify the adventure, so all you have to do is arrive.
We offer a food resupply “food drop” at the halfway point of the Wilderness, Kakadjo B-Pond Road. This allows you to split your food carry in half, reducing the weight on your back by 6-10 pounds. You can find more details on our Hiker Services page.
Trips can be set up for overnight backpacking, slack-packing, or a mix of the two. We handle standard backpacking trips, basic trip planning, and food drops through AT Hostel & Outfitters. All specialty trips, such as slack-packing, guided backpacking, and those seeking fully detailed custom backpacking itineraries are set up through our guide/trip division, Katahdin Adventure Co.
Most Common Trips
For those driving up to Maine: Drive to AT Hostel, stay the night at the Hostel, take a morning shuttle to the ME15 trailhead, hike north for 114.7 miles to Katahdin over 7-12 days depending on your experience level, receive a food drop at the halfway point, take our 4:00pm shuttle back to the Hostel after your Katahdin summit, stay the night at the Hostel and depart the following day. We offer secure parking for the duration of your hike. Shuttle prices are the same whether you park at the trailhead or at our location, so for most people it makes sense to utilize our secure lot.
For those taking public transport to Maine: Arrive in Bangor (via airline, Concord Coach, or rental car), take the 5:30 p.m. CYR bus to Medway where we pick up nightly, stay the night at the Hostel, take a morning shuttle to the ME15 trailhead, hike north for 114.7 miles to Katahdin over 7-12 days depending on your experience level, receive a food drop at the halfway point, take our 4:00pm shuttle back to the Hostel after your Katahdin summit, stay the night at the Hostel and depart the following day on our 9:00 a.m. shuttle back to Medway, where you can take the 9:30 a.m. CYR bus back to Bangor.
Both of these trips can be done as a southbound hike from Katahdin to ME15, however, it is logistically easier to hike northbound. We also believe it is better to finish with Katahdin rather than start with it, both for physical and mental endurance.
It is also possible to start at any trailhead. For example, if you only have five days to hike, we can drop you at Jo-Mary Rd or Johnson Pond Rd instead of ME15. You can use the suggested hikes below to determine what option best fits your timeline.
Trailheads & Distance From Katahdin
The 100-Mile Wilderness spans from Abol Bridge to Maine Route 15, covering approximately 99.4 miles. Those wishing to hike Baxter State Park & Katahdin can hike the 15.1 miles from Abol Bridge to Baxter Peak on Katahdin, then choose from several routes down the mountain. We suggest using the Abol Trail for a roughly 3.7 mile descent of Katahdin.
Mile 0.00 - Baxter Peak, Katahdin
Mile 5.20 - Katahdin Stream Campground
Mile 15.1 - Abol Bridge
Mile 32.6 - Pollywog Stream
Mile 35.1 - Wadleigh Pond Rd
Mile 41.0 - Nahmakanta Stream Rd
Mile 56.0 - Jo-Mary Rd (Cooper Brook)
Mile 63.1 - Johnson Pond Rd (Crawford Pond)
Mile 69.8 - Logan Brook Rd
Mile 84.6 - Katahdin Ironworks Rd
Mile 99.4 - Otter Pond
Mile 114.7 - ME Route 15
The 100-Mile Wilderness lies within the North Maine Woods. Access to trailheads from Pollywog Stream to Gulf Hagas require passing through gated check-points. These gates require day-use fees dependent on the number of people and direction of travel. Gate fees are $18 per person for non-residents, $13 per person for residents, and $0 for 70 and older.
Suggested Hikes
These hikes are good for both slack-packers & overnight backpackers. For all hikes beginning or ending at Katahdin, you should include the appropriate ascent/descent mileage on to the suggestions below. These suggestions would be the best options for getting the most out of your time based on how many days you plan to be in the Wilderness.
1 Day
Jo-Mary Rd to Nahmakanta Lake = 15.0 miles
2 Days
Jo-Mary Rd to Pollywog Stream = 23.4 miles
3 Days
Pollywog Stream to Katahdin Summit = 32.6 miles
Jo-Mary Rd to Abol Bridge = 40.9 miles
4-5 Days
Nahmakanta Stream Rd to Katahdin Summit = 41.0 miles
Johnson Pond Rd to Abol Bridge = 48 miles
Jo-Mary Rd to Katahdin Summit = 56.0 miles
5-6 Days
Johnson Pond Rd to Katahdin = 63.1 miles
Katahdin Ironworks Rd to Abol Bridge = 69.5 miles
7-8 Days
Katahdin Ironworks Rd to Katahdin Summit = 84.6 miles
8-9 Days
ME Route 15 to Abol Bridge = 99.6 miles
9-10 Days
ME Route 15 to Katahdin Summit = 114.7 miles
Slack-Packing
Slack-packing is an excellent way to see Maine’s beautiful 100-Mile Wilderness without the burden of carrying a heavy backpack and food supply. Trips can be set up as single day outings or multi-day adventures where we transport you to the trail early in the morning and return you to the Hostel after your daily hike is completed. This way you are able to shower, have a delicious meal, and get a good night’s rest before returning for yet another day of adventure.
To view our slack-packing options, please visit our guide/trip division, Katahdin Adventure Co.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the 100-Mile Wilderness from AT Hostel & Outfitters?
The Wilderness is a massive, remote area filled with old dirt logging roads. Due to this, travel time can range from 45 minutes up to 2 hours one-way depending on the chosen trailhead.
What is the terrain like in the Wilderness?
Much of the Appalachian Trail within the Wilderness is made up of rocks, roots, and bog boardwalks. While taking in scenery you will need to watch your footing. In the southern half of the Wilderness you can expect steep elevation changes and rough climbs with views. In the northern-half of the wilderness you can expect lower elevations while skirting beautiful lakes/ponds.
Will my cell phone work in the 100-Mile Wilderness?
Most carriers have limited coverage at higher elevations. We have a list of coverage locations that we give when booking a trip with us.