Guided Hiking Trips
Mt. Katahdin Ascents
Guided hikes on Mt. Katahdin, in Maine’s Baxter State Park.
Guided Maine Hiking Trips
Mt. Katahdin Guided Ascents
Katahdin is an Abenaki word meaning “Great Mountain”, and great it is! Katahdin is the centerpiece of Baxter State Park and the highest peak in Maine, rising to nearly one mile above sea level.
Great Mountain Guide Service welcomes guests of all ages and skill levels, and we take pride in our ability to provide a safe and educational hiking experience. Since 2015 we have seen guests from the local area and from far and wide, all over the world.
The key to a successful and rewarding Katahdin hike is planning and preparation. We remove the guesswork so you can relax and enjoy your Mt. Katahdin ascent.
In addition to Mt. Katahdin, the surrounding mountainous region, Baxter State Park, and the Penobscot River corridor offer numerous options for day and overnight hiking adventures!
Planning a Katahdin Ascent
We Take the Guesswork Out of Planning
Each spring GMGS reserves Baxter State Park parking passes required to access the “trailhead” options to summit Katahdin. This guarantees us a parking pass for the planned dates. In April, we list our secured Katahdin Ascent dates below and post them to our social media accounts.
*If our secured Katahdin Ascent dates are not your desired day to hike we are happy to procure the passes and design a custom trip for you! Contact Us for details.
2023 Katahdin Ascent Dates
Hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail! Join us 6/10/23 and hike the Hunt trail – out and back 10.9 miles – to Baxter Peak, elevation 5,269’
Fully Booked
Hike the Abol Trail – out and back 8.1 miles – to Baxter Peak, 5,269’. Abol is the most direct route to the summit, steep climb!
Come with us to Chimney Pond! 6/24/23 GMGS and guests will hike from Roaring Brook Campground to Chimney Pond Campground,3.3 miles. From Chimney Pond we will hike the Saddle Trail to Baxter Peak, 2.2 miles.
Join GMGS as we head back to Chimney Pond, Baxter State Park. Start out at Roaring Brook Campground and hike 3.3 miles to Chimney Pond. From Chimney Pond we will hike to Baxter Peak via the Saddle Trail, 2.2 miles or The Cathedral Trail, 1.5 miles.
The Knife Edge is a section of trail that links Pamola Peak, 4,919’ and Baxter Peak, 5,269’.
The Knife Edge is close to a mile long. Hikers should come prepared to climb the “Chimney” a steep section just after Pamola Peak.
Come with GMGS 7/22/23 we will be back to Katahdin Stream Campground to climb the Hunt Trail on the Appalachian Trail.
Here is your chance to experience the Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin! Allow us to guide you across this mile long section connecting Pamola Peak, 4,919’ to Baxter Peak, 5,269’
Abol trail has both steep, exposed sections as well as wooded, flatter sections for an all around Katahdin experience. Hike Abol trail with us 8/12/2023!
Fully Booked
Great Mountain Guide Service and our guests will leave Roaring Brook Campground to hike to Baxter Peak, 5,269’ via the Chimney Pond Trail. Come with us!
Welcoming all Skill Levels
Hikes for Everyone
There are what seems to be an endless number and combination of trails and options to reach Katahdin’s summit.
For beginners and children under the age of 15 (exceptions may be made) we suggest hiking to the well-known Chimney Pond via the Chimney Pond Trail. From Chimney Pond there are numerous options for all abilities to reach the summit.
For the more experienced, Helon Taylor Trail, a 4 mile long steep and more demanding trail, brings you to the summit of Pamola Peak (Elev. 4919′). If the famed Knife Edge is part of your desired Katahdin Ascent, from Pamola Peak we tackle “the chimney” a very steep section of Knife Edge before summiting South Peak and finally Baxter Peak (Elev. 5,268′).
Another popular option is the Hunt Trail, part of the Appalachian Corridor and either the very start or very end of a thru-hikers journey. Accessed via Abol Campground, Abol Tail and Katahdin Stream Campground the Hunt Trail is approx. 5 miles (one way ) to Baxter Peak.
Booking Information
Please submit an Ascent Request Form and we will contact you to confirm your dates and details.
Katahdin Ascent: $450.00 per person
Includes transportation in the park, parking pass, bag lunch & Medkit. Solo hikers to groups up to 10 hikers are welcome.
Guests will meet their guide at the South Entrance of Baxter State Park Road at 5:30 A.M. on the morning of their Katahdin Ascent. GMGS will provide transportation to the “trailhead”. We guarantee our guests a parking spot by pre-ordering the parking pass prior to the ascent date. *WE HIKE RAIN OR SHINE*. We prepare our guests to take on “ANY WEATHER” with a “GEAR/PACKING LIST”. “ANY WEATHER” is weather that your guide deems safe and passable. Our guides and staff reserve the right to stop a trip or turn a group around in inclement weather – extreme cold, wind, rain or lightning.
Hikers must expect to spend several hours walking and climbing, outdoors and in the elements. Being prepared with the right gear and resources is important to safely realize your dreams of ascending Mount Katahdin. The best advice we can give our clients and friends is “ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING” – you don’t have to be the hikiest hiker to ever hike, you just need a good ATTITUDE! When you are prepared and have a positive attitude you can make even a cold, wet, foggy summit into a wonderful memory or experience.
Equipment & Supplies
Gear Packing List
Guests are responsible for bringing the items suggested in the “Gear Packing List” ie: suggested backpack (size for a day hike is 30 to 60 liters, a backpack for an overnight suggested size is 60 to 100 liters), footwear, clothing, and other gear. We will provide a full “Gear Packing List” when your dates are confirmed and the reservation is paid in full.
*Trekking Poles are not provided by GMGS. Hikers are welcome to bring their own!
Lunch, Water & Snacks
GMGS provides a Bag Lunch includeing, chicken or veggie wrap, whole fruit, chips, cookie, assorted nuts and jerky. Clients should bring their favorite and preferred hiking snacks ie: candies, “chews” and “goos”, nutritional bars, and electrolyte replacement drinks or powders.
A water purification pump is provided by GMGS. Guests must bring 2 reusable water bottles or a “bladder” with a working straw.
Medkit & Medications
A medkit will be provided by GMGS. Hikers are welcome to bring their own small medkits and are encouraged to bring their own braces/supports if needed. *CLIENT MUST BRING MEDICATIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS IF NECESSARY.