Mount Katahdin
Mountain Maine's highest peak and northern terminus of Appalachian Trail.
Mount Katahdin is Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, located in Baxter State Park; hikers seek the Knife Edge route, summit panoramas and backcountry camping.
Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine, United States, with a summit elevation of 5,268 feet (1,605 metres) and serves as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Hikers are drawn by a range of routes to the summit, including exposed knife-edge ridges and technical sections; the peak is within Baxter State Park, which manages access and backcountry permits.
The mountain has longstanding cultural significance for the local Penobscot people and has been the focus of conservation efforts connected to the surrounding park.
Katahdin sits in north-central Maine near the town of Millinocket and is the dominant feature of Baxter State Park’s remote wilderness.
- Elevation and AT terminus: At 5,268 feet (1,605 metres), it is the highest mountain in the U.S. state of Maine and marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
- Park access and safety: Baxter State Park requires advance planning and permits for day use and backcountry camping; conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
What to See #
- Baxter Peak: Baxter Peak is the highest point on the mountain massif and is the summit most hikers aim for when climbing Katahdin.
How to Get to Mount Katahdin #
Katahdin is in Baxter State Park near Millinocket, Maine. Access by car from Millinocket; park requires parking and, in many cases, summit or camping permits available through the Baxter State Park Authority.
Tips for Visiting Mount Katahdin #
- For Baxter Peak (the official summit of Katahdin), obtain a backcountry parking permit for Katahdin Woods and Waters or plan ascents from Abol or Hunt Trails with early starts to avoid afternoon storms.
- Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail; Thru-hikers arrive through a specific protocol - the mountain requires respect and conservation-minded travel.
- Bring bear-aware food storage and check the Baxter State Park website for daily parking and summit permits - access is managed and often limited.
Best Time to Visit Mount Katahdin #
Best climbed in summer and early autumn; check Baxter State Park conditions and obtain necessary permits.
Weather & Climate near Mount Katahdin #
Mount Katahdin's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1525 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -20°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -20°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (144 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (144 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -16°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and breezy conditions.
