Hiking Mahoosuc Mountain, Maine - panoramic view
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Hiking in Mahoosuc Mountain, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Western Mountains • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 12 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
19 km
Elevation
1,049 m
Duration
7h30
Max altitude
303 m

Tackle Maine's most notorious ridge: 18.8 km, 1,049 m elevation gain, very hard difficulty in the Western Mountains. The legendary Mahoosuc Notch—the "toughest mile" on the Appalachian Trail—demands boulder scrambling through dark crevices. Allow 7.5 hours for this technical challenge with panoramic views across Maine's wilderness.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

Discover the trail

2 community photos

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

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
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Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
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Actik Core 625
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.548539, -70.986107
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at several trailheads:

  1. Grafton Notch State Park Trailhead: Located on Route 26 in Newry, Maine. There is a parking area available for hikers.

  2. 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.

  3. 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?

Opening hours
No information
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
44.548539, -70.986107
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
6 Reviews
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Beautiful mountain scenery throughout this demanding hike. The Mahoosuc range delivers spectacular views despite the tough 18.8km distance and significant elevation gain. Access via Grafton Notch State Park worked well, though parking fees apply. Very hard difficulty rating is accurate - this trail requires good fitness and preparation.
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Beautiful trail with stunning Western Mountains scenery throughout the hike. The 18.8km distance provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy Maine's wilderness, though the 1049m elevation gain makes it quite challenging. Plan for a full day as it took us nearly 9 hours to complete. Worth every step despite the parking fees.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
My favorite place. This challenging 18.8km trail through Mahoosuc Mountain offers incredible wilderness experience in Maine's Western Mountains. The 1049m elevation gain makes it very demanding but absolutely worth it for the stunning views and rugged terrain. Plan for 8-10 hours and come prepared for a serious mountain adventure.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
My favorite place. This challenging 18.8km trail through Mahoosuc Mountain offers incredible views and a true test of endurance with 1049m of elevation gain. The 8-10 hour journey is demanding but absolutely rewarding. Despite the very hard difficulty level and access fees, the wilderness experience is unmatched. Perfect for experienced hikers seeking adventure.
LT
Leo Thomas
Feb 20, 2015
My favorite place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
1049.00 M
303.00 M
7h30
No
No
Mahoosuc Mountain features challenging terrain with 1049 m of elevation gain over 18.8 km, contributing to its very hard difficulty rating. The trail requires excellent physical fitness and significant hiking experience to navigate safely.
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Update : June 2026