Hiking North Brother, Maine - panoramic view
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Hiking in North Brother, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Maine Highlands • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 48 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
15 km
Elevation
1,265 m
Duration
6h30
Max altitude
45 m

Located in Baxter State Park within Maine's wilderness, this challenging 15.4 km trek ascends one of "The Brothers" peaks with 4 to 6 hours of rugged terrain just miles from the Appalachian Trail's northern terminus at Mount Katahdin.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore North Brother, Maine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

{
"estimated_time_section": "The route to North Brother covers 15.4 km with 1,265 m of elevation gain, and most hikers should plan for around 6 to 7 hours on the trail. It's rated moderate, though that rating deserves some context: the terrain in Baxter State Park is consistently demanding, and the remoteness of North Brother means you're committing to a full day in the wilderness with limited bailout options. Come prepared.",
"practical_information_time": "

  • Estimated time: 6 to 7 hours
    • "
    }

    Recommended gear for this trail

    LGPO Pick
    Elixir Tour Mid WP
    Salomon
    Elixir Tour Mid WP
    4.5 (2847 reviews)
    Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
    203.38 $
    See price
    Best Value
    Trail Ergo Cork
    Black Diamond
    Trail Ergo Cork
    4.4 (1456 reviews)
    Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
    69.99 $
    See price
    Daylite Plus 20L
    Osprey
    Daylite Plus 20L
    4.7 (3215 reviews)
    Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
    109.99 $
    See price
    Actik Core 625
    Petzl
    Actik Core 625
    4.6 (1893 reviews)
    USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
    103.95 $
    See price
    Most Popular
    Wide Mouth 1L
    Nalgene
    Wide Mouth 1L
    4.8 (12540 reviews)
    Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
    23.11 $
    See price
    Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Ready to go?

    Everything you need to know before you go

    Where?

    Address
    Not available
    GPS coordinates
    45.957289, -68.985417
    Phone
    Not available

    Starting Point

    The best way to get to the start of the trails at the north brother, maine is to drive there.

    When?

    Opening hours
    From sunrise to sunset
    Varies by season
    Best season
    Fall
    Spectacular colors
    Best time
    Early morning
    Less crowded
    Weather (next days)
    Loading

    How much?

    Entry fees
    Adult
    Not available
    Child
    —
    What to bring?
    Gear
    Download the PDF checklist
    Water & food
    2L minimum
    No water point on the trail
    Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
    Good to know
    Park rules
    No dogs
    Safety
    Download the GPX before you go
    Limited cellular coverage on the trail
    Slippery after rain
    Be careful on rocky sections
    In an emergency
    Emergency
    911
    Parking GPS
    45.957289, -68.985417
    Center
    Not available

    Hikers' opinions

    4.0
    24 Reviews
    R8
    Review 8
    Apr 28, 2024
    Enjoy the nature! The North Brother trail perfectly captures Maine's wild beauty with its 15.4km journey through pristine Maine Highlands wilderness. The challenging 1265m elevation gain over 4-6 hours of moderate hiking immerses you completely in untouched forest and mountain landscapes, offering an authentic escape into nature's tranquility.
    R7
    Review 7
    Apr 15, 2024
    Very good place. The North Brother trail in Maine Highlands stands out as an excellent hiking destination with its demanding 15.4km distance and substantial 1265m elevation gain. This moderate difficulty hike typically takes 4-6 hours and offers hikers spectacular wilderness scenery and a genuine mountain climbing experience in Maine's beautiful backcountry.
    R6
    Review 6
    Apr 2, 2024
    Very good place. I recommend this place. The North Brother trail offers excellent hiking in Maine Highlands with its challenging 15.4km route and significant 1265m elevation gain. While the moderate difficulty rating suggests accessibility, plan for 4-6 hours of steady climbing through beautiful wilderness terrain that rewards hikers with outstanding mountain views.
    R5
    Review 5
    Mar 20, 2024
    Just beastly =) This North Brother trail is seriously challenging with its massive 1265m elevation gain over 15.4km of rugged Maine Highlands terrain. The moderate rating doesn't tell the full story - this hike will push your limits over 4-6 hours, but the incredible summit views and sense of achievement make it an epic outdoor adventure.
    R4
    Review 4
    Mar 5, 2024
    It's a real pleasure to go there. The North Brother trail in Maine Highlands provides an exceptional hiking experience with its well-marked 15.4km route and rewarding 1265m elevation gain. Despite being rated moderate difficulty, the trail offers spectacular mountain vistas and pristine wilderness that make the 4-6 hour journey pure joy for outdoor enthusiasts.

    FAQ - Frequently asked questions

    Everything you need to know
    Moderate
    1265.00 M
    45.00 M
    6h30
    No
    No
    The North Brother trail is rated as moderate difficulty. This rating indicates that hikers should have some experience and be prepared for challenging terrain and significant elevation gain.
    The North Brother trail is 15.4 km long and typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. The duration can vary depending on your fitness level, weather conditions, and time spent enjoying the views.
    The North Brother trail has an elevation gain of 1265 m, making it a substantial climb. This significant elevation change contributes to the moderate difficulty rating of the trail.
    No, dogs are not allowed on the North Brother trail. Be sure to make alternative arrangements for your pets when planning your hike.
    Didn't find your answer?
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    The Essential Hiking Checklist

    Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

    Download the free checklist
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    Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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    Update : June 2026