Chewonki Foundation: Maine Appalachian Trail Backpack

For those who want to explore the wilds of Maine on their feet, living close to nature and removed from everyday life, a trek on the Maine Appalachian Trail promises an adventure. This 3-week program is for ages 14-16, grades 9-11. Find out more!

The Appalachian Trail (AT) stretches over 2,000 miles between Springer Mountain, Georgia, and Mount Katahdin, Maine. The trail winds through beautiful, remote wilderness and by occasional small towns. Some hearty souls take four to six months to hike the entire length of the AT, and most experienced hikers call the Maine section the most challenging but also a very rewarding part of this great eastern trail. 

We begin just north of Monson, Maine, the last town on the AT, and hike north and east through territory known as the 100-Mile Wilderness, from the Barren Chairback Range to Baxter State Park. This section is the longest stretch of “wilderness” hiking on the AT; roads are few and far between.

Most of the campsites along the way are lean-to sites, but we bring our own tents to leave room for others. We visit the Hermitage, an area of old-growth forest, and the distinctive Gulf Hagas gorge. By mid-summer, wild raspberries and blueberries abound and make great trail treats. There are many beautiful lakes and ponds along the trail to soak our feet in and enjoy the view. Our adventure ends with a challenging hike up Mount Katahdin (Wabanaki for “the greatest mountain”), which marks the northern terminus of the AT. We will average 4-12 miles per day, depending upon terrain. Along the way, we will enjoy and learn about the natural history and ecology of the places we visit. There is a great chance of seeing moose, bear, beaver, eagles, deer, and other wildlife.