Our premier location is just eight miles from the South Entrance of Baxter State Park, providing families and friends great access to plenty of trails in the Maine outdoors! Our Staff consists of a collective group of amazing Registered Maine Guides who are passionate about sharing Maine's extraordinary beauty - and creating unique hiking experiences for you. Each Guided Trip is curated to your desires and needs from the first correspondence, to the end of trip departure.
Our Guides strive to make the ultimate Maine Experience when it comes to all Guided Hiking Adventures!
Located right inside of Baxter State Park, adjacent to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument lies Katahdin - Maine's Highest Mountain at 5,269' in elevation!
Katahdin, named by the Penobscot Indians, means “Greatest Mountain.” Katahdin is also known to most for being the northern point of the Appalachian Trail (A.T), and either the beginning or final point for those looking to travel it. It is also the starting point for the International Appalachian Trail!
Join us for a Guided Trip up our beloved mountain!
Woohoo! It's officially time to kick off our Katahdin Ascent season! Join us and our lovely guide(s) on Friday, June 21 for an ascent to Baxter Peak via the Abol Trail! This day will round out at 8.8 miles in total and will showcase incredible views of the surrounding lakes, the Penobscot River, the famous Golden Road, and many more unique places. This is a steady and mostly steep ascent, but one of our favorites! Return route will be via Abol Trail.
Our second climb of the season is featuring a classic first-timer favorite: We will be ascending Baxter Peak via the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3 mi) to the Saddle Trail (2.2). The Saddle Trail is a mostly gradual climb accompanied by loose footing areas (0.2mi section). The views featured on this climb of Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, Basin Ponds, and other surrounding areas are truly beautiful. The overall trip will round out at 11 miles. Return route will be via Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot.
Join us for a climb on one of the most traversed Katahdin trails in Baxter State Park - the Hunt Trail via Katahdin Stream! The Hunt Trail (5.2mi) is the final point of the A.T (Appalachian Trail) or the beginning point upon summiting Baxter Peak on Katahdin. There's lovely features along the trail including the famous Katahdin Stream Falls, and beautiful views of neighboring mountains nearby. This trail is 10.4 miles round trip and is a steady and steep ascent with some boulder climbing areas. Return trail will be via the Hunt Trail.
Join us for a Guided Katahdin Ascent to Baxter Peak via the Abol Trail! This day will round out at 8.8 miles in total and will showcase incredible views of the surrounding lakes, the Penobscot River, the famous Golden Road, and many more unique places. This is a steady and mostly steep ascent, but one of our favorites! Return route will be via Abol Trail.
Join us for a Katahdin Ascent over the famous Knife Edge Trail! The morning will begin on the Chimney Pond Trail for a short 10 minute hike, then making our way onto the Helon Taylor Trail (3.2mi) as we ascend towards Pamola Peak (4,919' elevation). After Pamola Peak we will ascend towards Baxter Peak via the Knife Edge Trail (1.1mi). Our return route will be via the Saddle Trail (2.2mi) and the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3mi). The overall day will end at 9.8 miles and is one of our most strenuous climbs offered. We highly recommend this for guests who have previous mountain climbing experience! There is boulder climbing, and much of the day is on exposed trail. *Please note that if rainy/bad weather is set for the entire day (we do climb rain or shine) - we do not climb Knife Edge as the park strongly suggests. Our rainy/bad weather contingency plan is Chimney Pond - Saddle and return the same routes.*
Join us for a climb on one of the most traversed Katahdin trails in Baxter State Park - the Hunt Trail via Katahdin Stream! The Hunt Trail (5.2mi) is the final point of the A.T (Appalachian Trail) or the beginning point upon summiting Baxter Peak on Katahdin. There's lovely features along the trail including the famous Katahdin Stream Falls, and beautiful views of neighboring mountains nearby. This trail is 10.4 miles round trip and is a steady and steep ascent with some boulder climbing areas. Return trail will be via the Hunt Trail.
Join us for a well known Katahdin first-timer favorite: We will be ascending Baxter Peak via the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3 mi) to the Saddle Trail (2.2). The Saddle Trail is a mostly gradual climb accompanied by loose footing areas (0.2mi section). The views featured on this climb of Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, Basin Ponds, and other surrounding areas are truly beautiful. The overall trip will round out at 11 miles. Return route will be via Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot.
Join us for a well known Katahdin first-timer favorite: We will be ascending Baxter Peak via the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3 mi) to the Saddle Trail (2.2). The Saddle Trail is a mostly gradual climb accompanied by loose footing areas (0.2mi section). The views featured on this climb of Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, Basin Ponds, and other surrounding areas are truly beautiful. The overall trip will round out at 11 miles. Return route will be via Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot.
Join us for a Katahdin Ascent over the famous Knife Edge Trail! The morning will begin on the Chimney Pond Trail for a short 10 minute hike, then making our way onto the Helon Taylor Trail (3.2mi) as we ascend towards Pamola Peak (4,919' elevation). After Pamola Peak we will ascend towards Baxter Peak via the Knife Edge Trail (1.1mi). Our return route will be via the Saddle Trail (2.2mi) and the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3mi). The overall day will end at 9.8 miles and is one of our most strenuous climbs offered. We highly recommend this for guests who have previous mountain climbing experience! There is boulder climbing, and much of the day is on exposed trail. *Please note that if rainy/bad weather is set for the entire day (we do climb rain or shine) - we do not climb Knife Edge as the park strongly suggests. Our rainy/bad weather contingency plan is Chimney Pond - Saddle and return the same routes.*
Join us for a well known Katahdin first-timer favorite: We will be ascending Baxter Peak via the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3 mi) to the Saddle Trail (2.2). The Saddle Trail is a mostly gradual climb accompanied by loose footing areas (0.2mi section). The views featured on this climb of Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, Basin Ponds, and other surrounding areas are truly beautiful. The overall trip will round out at 11 miles. Return route will be via Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot.
Join us for a Guided Katahdin Ascent to Baxter Peak via the Abol Trail! This day will round out at 8.8 miles in total and will showcase incredible views of the surrounding lakes, the Penobscot River, the famous Golden Road, and many more unique places. This is a steady and mostly steep ascent, but one of our favorites! Return route will be via Abol Trail.
Join us for a well known Katahdin first-timer favorite: We will be ascending Baxter Peak via the Chimney Pond Trail (3.3 mi) to the Saddle Trail (2.2). The Saddle Trail is a mostly gradual climb accompanied by loose footing areas (0.2mi section). The views featured on this climb of Knife Edge, Chimney Pond, Basin Ponds, and other surrounding areas are truly beautiful. The overall trip will round out at 11 miles. Return route will be via Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot.
What's Included in a Guided Katahdin Ascent?
- Your Guided Ascent includes:
- Registered Maine Guide with a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification
- Parking Pass: A guaranteed secure date for each trip offered
- Transportation to-and-from our location to Baxter State Park
- Gear List
- Medical Kit
- Water Purification System
- Fully Curated Bagged Lunch with Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions!
- Will my trip happen if it's raining or there is predicted thunderstorms?
-Guided Trips happen rain or shine. If there is particularly rough weather coming in - or present during the day of your trip - your Guide will communicate the course of action for the day. - What do I need to do to prepare for my trip?
-The most important part of preparing for your trip is your attitude! Attitude is everything. Many people of all physical abilities have climbed Katahdin. Having the will power and desire to do this will get you there! Your Guide will connect with you to discuss activities and strengthening exercises that may be of benefit to you! - I have Dietary Restrictions, can these be accommodated?
- Is it difficult to hike Katahdin?
-Everyone's range of difficulties and what they categorize as difficult varies. But, yes. Katahdin can be difficult in many areas. This is why attitude is everything! Katahdin is a climb, not a hike. We will traverse through rocky terrain 98% of the climb which is a very different terrain for most. Your Guide will connect with you to detail the day as thoroughly as possible to help you better understand what we will experience throughout the day! - How many guests are permitted on each ascent?
-At NEOC, safety is our number one priority - and because we prioritize safety, we like to keep our numbers small. We permit up to 6 guests per ascent accompanied by 1 to 2 Guides.
-Yes, 100%. Each bagged lunch consists of a variety of snacks, whole fruit, cheeses, salty and sweet treats, and a sandwich. We can accommodate any dietary restrictions or food allergies.