Highlights

• AT Hostel & Outfitters is the closest dedicated hiker service to the Maine segment of the IAT.

• We offer shuttles to many points along the IAT between its southern terminus in Katahadin Woods and Waters NM and where it crosses the US/Canada border, outside of Fort Fairfield.

• If you are considering an IAT adventure in Maine, we can help you plan out the logistics, the best locations to get on/off the trail, slack-packing, and more.

Access Points, Routes, & Distance

The Maine International Appalachian Trail travels from its southern terminus in Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument to the US/Canada Border, covering approximately 138.4 miles through the rural Maine countryside, before continuing into Canada. Those wishing to hike the Maine IAT can knock it off in sections or complete it as one continuous hike.

If you are focusing on connecting a continuous footpath from the AT to the IAT, there are a few things to consider:

• The old connection between Baxter State Park and the official southern terminus of the IAT is overgrown and not legally accessible. As experienced thru-hikers ourselves, we suggest you follow a different route, that will still give you a continuous footpath, is more scenic, is a better trail system, and doesn’t involve hiking through an area with potential legal ramifications. Yes, this suggested route bypasses the first 30.2 miles of the IAT, however, we believe it to be the better experience.

• If heading northbound, stay at Katahdin Stream or the Birches in Baxter State Park. The following day hike up the Hunt Trail (AT) 5.2 miles to Baxter Peak (northern terminus of the AT) and then down the north or east side of Katahdin. The most direct route will be to descend 0.9 miles along the Saddle Trail, then follow the Northwest Basin Trail for 0.9 miles to Caribou Springs, where you will take the Northwest Peaks Trail approximately 6.5 miles to Russel Pond, where you will stay the night. This route is 13.5 miles and takes on average 10-14 hours to complete, based on your previous backpacking experience and fitness.

• You can also descend east via the Saddle and Chimney Pond Trail (5.3 miles) or Knife Edge and Helon Taylor Trail (4.1 miles) to Roaring Brook, and then take the Russel Pond Trail 6.8 miles north to Russel Pond. These two options are 3.8 and 2.6 miles longer, respectively, and take an additional 2-3 hours compared our suggested route.

• You can acquire a reservation for Russel Pond up to four months in advance, though space in the bunkhouse or a campsite is typically available with short notice. You need this reservations in advance to prove to Park staff that you aren’t trying to illegally stealth camp in the Park and show that you have a plan.

• The following day, you can continue 9.1 miles along the Pogy Notch Trail from Russel Pond to South Branch Pond. From there, you have two options. Option 1, follow the South Branch Pond Road 2.2 miles to the Park Tote Road, turn right, and then follow the Park Tote Road 8.2 miles to pick up the official IAT at Matagamon Wilderness Campground. Option 2, use the trail system by continuing 5.2 miles along the Middle Fowler Trail to the intersection of the Lower Fowler Pond Trail, which you will follow for 0.4 miles to another intersection, where you will turn right to follow the Five Ponds Trail for 2.1 miles to another intersection, where you will follow the Horse Mountain Trail 2.8 miles out to the Park Tote Road, where you will turn right and walk 2.4 miles to Matagamon Wilderness Campground to pick up the official IAT.

• If you are heading southbound from the IAT to the AT, just do these routes in reverse.

If you are focusing just on the IAT, please note that we do not have a commercial use permit with the National Park Service, and therefore can not enter Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to drop you off at the southern terminus. The closest we can get to the southern terminus is the boundary gate approximately 7 miles before trailhead. Below is a list of current shuttle points. Custom shuttles are possible, if planned in advance.

• Mile 0.00 - Katahdin Woods & Waters NM Loop Road (7 miles before the trailhead)

• Mile 30.2 - Matagamon Wilderness Campground

• Mile 38.7 - Sebeois River

• Mile 44.5 - Shin Pond Village

• Mile 51.3/53.5 - Mt Chase Trailhead/Route 11

• Mile 69.7 - Smyrna

• Mile 75.0 - Brookside Inn

• Mile 85.7 - Houlton

• Mile 96.3 - Blue Moose Restaurant/Route 1

• Mile 108.4 - Bridgewater

• Mile 115.3 - Mars Hill

• Mile 138.4 - US/Canada Border

The Maine IAT runs through remote areas and most access points are over an hour drive from our location. For this reason, shuttles and slack-packing trips need to be set up in advance. If you arrange for a safe place to park your vehicle, we can shuttle you to another point and you can hike back to your vehicle.

We are still working on adding more information to this guide. Please email or call if you have questions.