Maine Highpoint
Mount Katahdin
5,269 ft · Baxter State Park · Katahdin
Strenuous hikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Baxter Peak, the Maine highpoint on Katahdin. Katahdin Stream is the access point for the Hunt Trail, while Roaring Brook provides access to Helon Taylor, Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, and Saddle.
USGS-derived Baxter Peak summit locationStandard route
Hunt Trail
From Katahdin Stream Campground, follow the Hunt Trail and Appalachian Trail past Katahdin Stream Falls, climb the steep boulder terrain of Hunt Spur, and cross the exposed Tableland to Baxter Peak.
Distance
10.4 mi
Elevation gain
4,188 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Very Strenuous
Trailhead
Katahdin Stream Campground
Typical hazards: Long sustained climbing, steep boulders, exposed terrain above treeline, high wind, rapidly changing weather, wet or icy rock, limited water high on the mountain, and a demanding descent.
Baxter State Park lists the Hunt Trail as 5.2 miles one way and notes that about 2.4 miles are above treeline. The park advises allowing 8–12 hours for a Katahdin round trip.
Baxter State Park: hiking KatahdinAlternative routes
Helon Taylor – Knife Edge – Saddle – Chimney Pond
From Roaring Brook, climb Helon Taylor to Pamola Peak, traverse the Knife Edge to Baxter Peak, descend the Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond, then return to Roaring Brook on the Chimney Pond Trail.
Typical hazards: Knife Edge is completely exposed. High wind, rain, ice, thunderstorms, or poor visibility can make the traverse extremely dangerous. There is no water on Knife Edge.
The distance is derived from Baxter State Park's published segments: 3.2 miles on Helon Taylor, 1.1 miles across Knife Edge, 2.2 miles on Saddle, and 3.3 miles on Chimney Pond Trail. The park advises against traversing Knife Edge in bad weather.
Baxter State Park: hiking KatahdinAbol Trail
A shorter western approach from Abol Campground. The relocated Abol Trail climbs steeply to the Tableland and joins the Hunt Trail for the final mile to Baxter Peak.
Typical hazards: Sustained steep climbing, limited water after the first mile, exposed terrain above approximately 2.5 miles, strong wind, and rapidly changing weather.
Baxter State Park describes Abol as the shortest route to Baxter Peak from a roadside trailhead.
Baxter State Park: hiking KatahdinPermits & fees
2026 requirements
Katahdin Trailhead Pass
For day hikers who are not camping in Baxter State Park the previous night, a KTP is the only way to guarantee access to the three Katahdin trailhead parking areas.
- Reservation fee
- $10 per vehicle
- Trailheads
- Katahdin Stream · Roaring Brook · Abol
- Reservations open
- April 1 for the summer season
- Monthly limit
- 2 KTP reservations per account · June–October
- Arrival
- Be in the KTP line at Togue Pond Gate by 7:00 a.m. or the reserved space is forfeited
Park entrance
- Non-Maine vehicle
- $20 in 2026
- Maine vehicle
- No entrance fee
Access
Katahdin Stream Campground
The standard Hunt Trail begins at Katahdin Stream Campground. Baxter State Park opens for day use at 6:00 a.m.; travel inside the park is slow, so build substantial driving time into the morning.
Reserve the correct Katahdin trailhead.
A Katahdin Trailhead Pass is tied to a specific trailhead. Reserve Katahdin Stream for the Hunt Trail, Roaring Brook for Helon Taylor and Knife Edge approaches, or Abol for the Abol Trail. Without a KTP, access depends on forfeited or otherwise available spaces.
Park amenities
- Ranger presence at Katahdin Stream and Roaring Brook
- Campground outhouses
- Natural water sources that must be treated
- Camping by reservation
Know before you go
Baxter State Park wilderness rules
Maximum hiking group size is 12.
Carry a flashlight or headlamp; illumination is required by park rule.
Carry at least two quarts of water per person for a Katahdin hike and treat all natural water before drinking.
Stay on established trails and respect all seasonal or weather-related closures.
Pets, drones, and outside firewood are prohibited in the park.
Carry out everything you bring into the park.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Check Baxter State Park conditions immediately before the trip. In 2026 all Katahdin trails opened by June 10, but the park has continued to post temporary bridge reroutes on the Hunt and Chimney Pond trails. Trail, road, water, fire, and weather conditions can change quickly.