Ready to explore Mahoosuc Mountain, Maine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!
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Trail description
{
"note": "Description content is accurate and well-sourced. Only minor correction: change 'toughest mile' to 'longest mile' for Mahoosuc Notch (source 5 confirms 'longest mile of the AT'). Change '2,190-mile trail' to '2,200-mile trail' (source 1 confirms 2,200-mile).",
"section_1_paragraph_1": "
Mahoosuc Mountain stands as one of Maine's most formidable hiking challenges, anchoring the rugged Mahoosuc Range in the state's western mountains. This isn't your typical weekend stroll—the 18.8-kilometer trek demands serious commitment with 1,049 meters of elevation gain through some of the most technically demanding terrain in New England. Plan on spending 7.5 hours minimum on this very hard route, though most experienced hikers find themselves out there closer to 8 to 10 hours when you factor in the inevitable delays navigating the mountain's legendary obstacles.
","section_1_paragraph_2": "
The mountain's reputation centers on the notorious Mahoosuc Notch, a boulder-choked ravine that Appalachian Trail hikers know as the \"longest mile\" on the entire 2,200-mile trail. Here, the path disappears into a chaotic jumble of house-sized granite blocks, forcing you to crawl, squeeze, and scramble through dark crevices where ice lingers well into summer. What looks like a short section on the map can easily consume two hours as you navigate this natural obstacle course, testing both your route-finding skills and your comfort with exposure.
"}
Recommended gear for this trail
Ready to go?
Everything you need to know before you goStarting Point
To access the hiking trails, you can start at several trailheads:
Grafton Notch State Park Trailhead: Located on Route 26 in Newry, Maine. There is a parking area available for hikers.
Success Pond Road Trailhead: Accessible via Success Pond Road, which is off Route 16 near Berlin, New Hampshire. This road leads to various entry points along the trails.
Speck Pond Trailhead: Found at the end of Success Pond Road, this trailhead provides access to the trails from a different angle.
Ensure your vehicle is suitable for unpaved roads if using Success Pond Road, as conditions can vary.
When?
How much?
- Hiking shoes Essential
- → Salomon Elixir Tour Mid WP · 203.38 $
- Layered clothing Essential
- Rain jacket Essential
- Trekking poles
- → Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork · 69.99 $
- Headlamp
- → Petzl Actik Core 625 · 103.95 $
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to knowThe Essential Hiking Checklist
Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.
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