These 10 Epic Mountains In Maine Will Drop Your Jaw
By Michelle|Updated on June 03, 2022(Originally published May 29, 2022)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
When many people think of Maine, images of craggy coasts come to mind. But, we’re not called the “Pine Tree State” for nothing. Much of our state is covered in forests and mountains, perfect for exploring during the sunny days of summer or the chilly days of winter. Take a look at this list of the ten highest mountains in Maine and start making plans to bag each one! This is an adventure that you won’t want to miss.
Located in Baxter State Park, Katahdin's name was given by the Penobscot Indians and means "The Greatest Mountain." It serves at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but can be hiked on it's own in about 10 hours. Be prepared for some technical areas and always climb safely!
If you’re wondering "are there mountains in Maine," then be prepared for one of the most epic mountains in Maine!
2. Sugarloaf Mountain, Franklin County: 4,240 feet
Located in the Carabassett Valley, Sugarloaf has a vertical rise of 2,820 feet. The Appalachian Trail passes within a mile of Sugarloaf’s summit on the west side of the mountain. Visit Sugarloaf Resort in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, then again in the summer for golfing, hiking and mountain biking.
If you’re looking for Maine mountains that offer a ton of adventure, Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine is a great start.
Located in the Carrabasset Valley, Crocker Mountain is traversed by the Appalachian Trail and comes with spectacular views. Along the way, you'll encounter a glacial cirque called "Crocker Cirque" located between the main summit and the lower summit of South Crocker Mountain.
Looking for more adventure in these mountains in Maine? Carrabassett Valley is filled tons of great things to see and do.
Old Speck is located within Grafton Notch State Park near the town of Newry. The trails leading to the summit are quite steep, but hikers will find stunning views of the surrounding Mahoosuc Range at the top. The Standard Route trail to the peak is part of the Appalachian Trail system and is considered challenging. The route is about 4 miles long.
This Maine mountain hike is the perfect day hike that offers sensational views.
5. North Brother Mountain, Piscataquis County: 4,150 feet
North Brother is located within Baxter State Park, near Katahdin. Unlike Katahdin you can manage to do this in a nice day trip. The rocky, open summit offers views of Katahdin, Doubletop, Coe and South Brother Mountains, as well as streams and rivers.
When you’re looking for Maine mountains, Baxter State Park offers some pretty spectacular options.
Mount Bigelow has some interesting history. The mountain is named after Major Timothy Bigelow who climbed the summit in 1775 "for the purpose of observation." Major Bigelow was one of Colonel Benedict Arnold's four division commanders during the 1775 Invasion of Canada. The West Peak is the highest of the many comprising Mount Bigelow.
If you’re wondering "are there are mountains in Maine?", rest assured; not only do we have mountains, we have some seriously cool ones.
7. Saddleback Mountain, Franklin County: 4,121 feet
Saddleback is one of the most well-known peaks in Maine. The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge of Saddleback crossing the summit. The Saddleback ski area is located on the north face of the mountain.
Saddleback Mountain is a mountain in Maine with a lot of history. And it’s one of the most beloved ski slopes in all of Maine!
Mount Abraham is another mountain with an interesting history. The mountain was logged in the late 19th century. Logs were moved down-slope in ice-covered wooden sluices. Logs, lumber, and pulpwood were shipped on the narrow-gauge Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad from there.
The McDonnell F-101B Voodoo No.57-376 of the 60th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron out of Otis AFB in Massachusetts, crashed onto the mountain after colliding with another F-101B during a cross-country formation flight in 1967. The two-man crew ejected with minor injuries and the second aircraft made an emergency landing at Dow AFB.
This Maine mountain isn’t just fun to climb; it’s gorgeous to look at, too. And there are plenty of scenic backroads around the state that give you a good view!
Part of the Saddelback area, The Horn's summit is a combination of alpine and sub-alpine environments and offers views of the surrounding peaks. Summit trails include Rock Pond, which has a 2,000-foot gain, and Redington River, with a 2,400-foot gain. The Appalachian Trail runs along The Horn’s summit.
The Appalachian Trail is filled with great mountains in Maine, and there are some really great offshoots to hike, too.
Located near Carabassett Valley, Mount Redington is one of only two 4,000-foot Maine mountains without an official hiking trail to the summit. Instead, hikers follow a network of logging roads. The summit ascent is six miles round-trip.
It’s one of the most interesting mountains in Maine to hike. When you're on your way, add on this Waterfall Road Trip in Maine .
Have you hiked any of these mountains in Maine? What did you think? Were they absolutely amazing?
Now, here’s a poll: do you prefer the view from the summit or gazing up from the ground? Head over to the Only in Maine Facebook page and drop us a comment to let us know which you prefer!
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More to Explore
Mountains in Maine
Megan McDonald|June 03, 2022
What is the tallest mountain in Maine?
Mount Katahdin is the highest peak in Maine, reaching 5,268 feet tall. It’s an impressive mountain that’s located in Baxter State Park, in the eastern-central part of Maine. It’s a regularly traveled mountain that is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
How long does it take to climb Mount Katahdin?
Mount Katahdin is a difficult trail that can take 8-12 hours to hike. You’ll ascend over 4,000 feet during your hike on the trail.
