Mountains in Maine: A Guide to the State's Peaks and Ranges

Does Maine Have Mountains?

Yes, and more dramatic ones than many travelers expect. The mountains in Maine are part of the Appalachian chain, the ancient range that runs from Georgia all the way to the Canadian border. Maine sits at the northern end of that chain, and its peaks are where the Appalachian Trail finally comes to rest. The state has 14 peaks above 4,000 feet, plus dozens of smaller coastal and inland summits that punch well above their elevation in terms of views. From the surf-pounded granite of the coast to the alpine tundra of the high western peaks, Maine's mountains cover a remarkable range of terrain.

Mount Katahdin: The Highest Mountain in Maine

The undisputed king of the mountains in Maine is Mount Katahdin, whose summit Baxter Peak rises to 5,269 feet. Standing alone in Baxter State Park, Katahdin is both the highest point in the state and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Its famous Knife Edge ridge is one of the most exposed trails in the eastern United States. Hikers who reach the summit from the south after crossing the wilderness can look back over the entire route they walked. That route is the heart of our 100-Mile Wilderness backpacking trip.

The Western Mountains

Maine's western mountains, near Rangeley, Stratton, and Carrabassett Valley, hold most of the state's 4,000-footers and offer some of the best alpine hiking in New England.

• Sugarloaf (4,250 ft): The second-highest peak in Maine, better known as a ski resort but with a summit reachable on foot.
• The Bigelow Range: A long, scenic ridge crowned by West Peak and Avery Peak, overlooking Flagstaff Lake.
• Saddleback Mountain (4,120 ft): A broad alpine ridge crossed by the Appalachian Trail, with wide-open summit views.
• Old Speck (4,170 ft): The highest peak in the rugged Mahoosuc Range near Grafton Notch.

Coastal and Inland Peaks

Not every mountain in Maine is a remote 4,000-footer. On the coast, Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park stands just 1,530 feet tall but is the highest point on the eastern seaboard and famous as one of the first places in the country to see sunrise. Inland favorites like Tumbledown Mountain near Weld and Mount Blue reward hikers with alpine ponds and fire-tower panoramas for a fraction of the effort of the big northern peaks. These smaller summits are perfect for shorter trips or for warming up before a wilderness expedition.

How the Mountains Connect: The Appalachian Trail

What ties Maine's mountains together is the Appalachian Trail, which runs over 280 miles through the state, the longest stretch in any single state on the entire trail. It links the western ranges, crosses the remote interior, and ends atop Katahdin. The most legendary section is the 100-Mile Wilderness, a roadless corridor from Monson to Abol Bridge with no resupply and almost no cell service. It is the wildest leg of the AT and the truest way to experience the mountains of northern Maine. Our 7-day wilderness itinerary walks you through it day by day.

Planning a Trip to the Maine Mountains

The best window for the high country is late June through early October, with summer offering the most stable weather above tree line and fall delivering the Northeast's finest foliage. Above-tree-line peaks like Katahdin and Saddleback can be cold and windy even in July, so pack layers no matter the forecast. For coastal hikes in Acadia, spring and fall are quieter and just as scenic. Whichever peaks you choose, Maine's mountains reward hikers who come prepared and start early.