How to Hike the Appalachian Trail in Maine

The Appalachian Trail—three words that roll gently off one's tongue. They're hardly frightening, nothing like "climbing Mount Everest." They hint at a comfortable stroll, at most a brisk hike. Talk to anyone who has hiked the length of the Appalachian Trail—all 2,160 miles of it—and those three words will take on another meaning. The Appalachian Trail is America's longest continuous walking path, extending from Maine to Georgia. For the south-bound thru-hikers, the journey begins in Maine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Visit a website hosted by a veteran hiker and learn some of the nitty-gritty Appalachian Trail details. This website discusses appropriate gear and even has a list of veteran hikers. A.T. thru-hikers are a knowledgeable group.
2. Go to a website that documents the A.T. state by state. Explore the trail in its entirety. Follow its course on maps.
3. Try to find a hiking buddy. Check with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club for any activities on the trail and for groups of south-bound thru-hikers who may be starting their trek. It's always an advantage to have hiking companions. The Maine A.T. club can also apprised you of the conditions of shelters along the trail, weather, and appropriate outfitting.
4. Get to the beginning of the hike. Take Interstate 95 north until you reach State Highway 116. Go west on 116, towards East Millinocket. At the junction with State Highway 11, go west on Highway 11, (Main Street) through Millinocket until it joins State Highway 157 to eventually become Millinocket Road, Continue on Millinocket Road until it intersects Baxter Park Road. Get off on Baxter Park Road and follow it to its junction with Roaring Brook Road. Follow Roaring Brook Road to Mount Katahdin.
5. Begin your hike at Mount Katahdin.
6. Proceed southwest to Monson. From Monson, continue along the trail until you reach the Kennebec River. Cross the river by USING THE FERRY.
7. Continue southwest, crossing a number of lesser mountains until you reach the Mahoosuc and Grafton notches. Squeeze through the notches and slither into New Hampshire.