Mount Chase MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Mount Chase, Maine.
1. Mount Chase Trail
SUMMIT VIEWS & HISTORY
Mount Chase Trail leads hikers up to an elevation of 2,440 feet with commanding views of northern Penobscot County and Baxter State Park. The trailhead is accessed via an unmarked Mountain Road, and the summit once hosted a historic fire tower. This hike is notable for its peaceful, forested approach and panoramic summit scenery.
2. Shin Pond ATV Trail
LOGGING ROADS & NATURE
Shin Pond ATV Trail offers a rugged experience through northern Maine's forests, intersecting with hiking trails near Mount Chase. The trail system provides access to remote landscapes and is popular for both hiking and off-road vehicles. It is a gateway to various side trails, including the path to Mount Chase's summit.
3. Chimney Pond Campground Trail
WILDERNESS BASECAMP HIKE
Chimney Pond Campground Trail is a 3.1-mile route leading through pristine wilderness in Baxter State Park. This trail is favored for its dramatic scenery and serves as a basecamp for summiting Katahdin. Hikers enjoy views of towering cliffs, clear ponds, and abundant wildlife.
4. Baxter Peak Loop
ICONIC MAINE SUMMIT
Baxter Peak Loop combines the Chimney Pond and Helon Taylor Trails for a challenging ascent of Mount Katahdin. This route is recognized for its steep climbs, breathtaking vistas, and completion of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers must be prepared for variable weather and strenuous conditions.
5. North Traveler Mountain Trail
BOLD PANORAMIC HIKE
North Traveler Mountain Trail features a steep ascent and panoramic views of the surrounding park and wilderness. The out-and-back hike is moderately strenuous and rewards with clear, sweeping vistas. This trail is less crowded than Katahdin but offers equally impressive scenery.
6. Doubletop Mountain Trail
REMOTE TWIN SUMMITS
Doubletop Mountain Trail provides access to two distinct summits deep within Baxter State Park. The hike is remote and challenging, featuring steep climbs and rewarding views of surrounding lakes and mountains. Permits and advance planning are required for this protected area.
7. Traveler Mountain Loop
SCENIC ALPINE LOOP
Traveler Mountain Loop is a strenuous, high-elevation trail that circles the Traveler Range in Baxter State Park. The hike includes dramatic ridgeline walking and expansive views of the park and Katahdin. It is considered one of the most challenging day hikes in the region.
8. The Owl Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE PATH
The Owl Trail near Patten is a gentle, family-friendly path perfect for casual hikers and bird watchers. The trail meanders through mixed forests and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Interpretive signs along the route highlight the area's natural history.
9. Abol Trail
HISTORIC KATAHDIN CLIMB
Abol Trail is one of the original paths to the summit of Mount Katahdin and starts at Abol Campground in Baxter State Park. The route is steep and rocky, providing dramatic views of the Great Basin and surrounding wilderness. Hikers often use this trail as part of a loop or as a direct ascent to Baxter Peak.
10. Hunt Trail
APPALACHIAN TRAIL ENDPOINT
Hunt Trail is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, leading hikers to the summit of Mount Katahdin. The trail is challenging, with steep, rocky sections and exposed ridges. Completing the Hunt Trail is a celebrated milestone for thru-hikers and day adventurers alike.