AT Year 16 - ME - Hwy 15 Monson to Katahdin - 114 Miles

2026 AT Year 16 - ME - Hwy 15 Monson to Mt. Katahdin - 114 Miles

I left Waynesville on Wednesday, July 15th to make the two and one half day trip up to Millinocket, Me. My plan was to arrive in Millinocket, and stay in the AT hostel on 17th before being shuttled to the trailhead in Monson on the morning of the 18th. I had made prior arrangements with the hostel for a shuttle as well as a food drop halfway through the 100 mile wilderness. This way I wouldn't need to carry as much food. 

On the way north, I first stopped at the Three Bear Inn in Marathon, NY. Nothing fancy, but clean. I went down the road to Reileys Restaurant for an all you can eat spaghetti dinner. The next morning I left early, stopping for breakfast at a nearby Dunkin Donuts. I then proceeded north. My friend, George, from Waynesville, had invited me to stay in his time share condominium in Lincoln, NH, which was only about a four or five hour drive from Millinocket. I drove through a rainstorm, but it subsided by the time I arrived in Lincoln. 

I had a good visit with George and his wife, Wanda, and slept on their sofa. I was just grateful to have a place to 'crash'. The next morning, I continued my drive through the White Mountains, crossing the AT below Mt. Moosalauke. It was a nice day driving through some big and small towns, and then up I-95 to the Medway exit. 

I arrived in Millinocket relatively early and checked into the hostel. I decided to get a private room since there weren't many people there. I drove 15 minutes down the road to the Knife Edge Brewery for dinner. I ordered the unusual butternut pizza and a brown ale. I sat outside to eat with a great clear view of Mt. Katahdin.

After returning to the hostel, I prepared the bucket for my food drop at Johnson Pond Road on July 24th. They were only there from 11-12 p.m., so I had to plan my route to arrive there. If I missed it an didn't call, they would report me as missing to the state police. I planned to arrive at Katahdin Stream Campground on July 29th, and had arranged Katahdin trail passes for 30th and 31st to account for the weather.  

Day 1 - Hwy 15 Monson to Wilson Valley Lean-to - 10.4 miles

At The Trailhead on Hwy 15 Monson

I arose early to check my pack and get ready for the shuttle. I left things I didn't need in the car, and left the car key and food drop off bucket at the hostel. I ate an oat bar for breakfast. We did the 2 hour drive to Monson, with two other hikers, 'Pilgrim' and 'Spiggot'. 'Pilgrim' was a SOBO getting back on the trail at Johnson Pond Road. and 'Spiggot' was going to Shaws Hiker Hostel in Monson.

100 Mile Wilderness Sign at the Trailhead

I hit the trail around 9:30 a.m.. It was a fairly uneventful hike, with no extreme ups or downs. I had planned a slightly longer day to the Wilson Valley lean-to. The trail in Maine is rocky and rooty for the most part, which slows progress somewhat.  There was one forded stream crossing, and a little waterfall, where I stopped for lunch around 12:30 p.m.

Scenic Pond

Waterfall

I passed a couple scenic ponds before arriving at the shelter a little after 5 p.m.. I was disappointed to find the shelter and area around it packed with MANY  loud hikers. I located a small site in front and to the left of the shelter, pitching my tent with the vestibule facing away.

A Little Rocky Traverse

Stream Crossing

It began raining shortly after I set up camp and continued throughout much of the evening. I considered not cooking my supper as I prefer not to cook in the rain. I ate a Bobo bar instead. The group in the shelter were lively until after 9:30. It is a short day tomorrow, and I hoped the crowd would leave early. I think they may be a SOBO bubble group. 

First Crowded Campsite Near Shelter 

Day 2 - Wilson Valley Lean-to to Long Pond Stream Campsite- 4.0 miles

I slept well with the rain continuing to fall most of the evening. but it stopped by morning. I wss up and packing before the horde. I was hoping they would've cleared out early.  I ate breakfast and broke camp a little after 8. My goal was the next shelter north, a little more than 4 miles, so this would be a short day.

Pleasant Morning to Start

It was a pleasant, breezy morning and I took my time, stopping frequently to hydrate and rest. I had to pack up a wet tent, so I was carrying a little extra weight. I was looking forward to getting in early, so I could put up a line to dry out my stuff. 

Enchanted Forest

I encountered on trail runner and a large group of younger looking girls heading south. There were a few rocky traverses and steep ascents. I took water at the first stream, and crossed several larger streams. My guide book indicated these would need to be forded, but I was able to rock hop across without getting wet.

Not a Bad Crossing

I arrived at Long Pond Stream, less than a mile from the lean-to. There was a nice campsite just on the the other side. My experience with the crowd at the previous shelter inspired me to make camp here. It ended up being a perfect choice. I set up my tent and strung up a line to hang the tent fly and and a few other things to dry. 

My Campsite By Long Pond Stream

It was early, so I got in my tent seedhouse to read my book and nap a bit. In the meantime, everything dried out. Several SOBOS came by, and a few NOBOS as well. Tomorrow would be another shorter day, but with more difficult terrain.  I feel good just taking time to ease into the hike. 

Day 3 - Long Pond Stream Campsite-to to Cloud Pond Lean-to - 4.7 miles

Today is another short day, but with a little more difficult terrain. I need to start thinking about getting to Johnson Pond Road for my food drop in a few days. Missing that would not be good. It was a sunny day, and I topped off my water in the hydration reservoice before breaking camp.

Sunny Morning Along Long Pond Stream

I started hiking before 8 a.m.. The trail followed Long Pond Stream for a ways. I passed several nice  occupied campsites along the way. After a little less than a mile, the trail turned to the right and began to ascend past the Lean to. 

Good Signage Everywhere

Rocky Ascent

It was an often steep ascent to Barren Ledges, and I stopped frequently to hydrate. The side trail to Barren Slides was closed, so I continued on. Upon reaching the summit and took a break to enjoy the fantastic view. I had cell service, so I texted my wife, who was worried about me, and called my daughter to assure them that all was well.  

Barren Ledges

A Nice Break With a GREAT View!

There trail flattened out before once again climbing up Barren Mt. I found the trail throughout the 100 mile wilderness to be well maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. Rock Stairs were conveniently installed in many places. I knew this must've required intense effort on the part of many volunteers, but most appreciated by us hikers. I passed a sign on the trail indicating the 2100 mile mark - another milestone!!  The summit of Barren Mountain contained the remnants of a fire tower.

Flatter Terrain Before Barren Mountain

A Milestone!!

Fire Tower Remnant

On the descent from Barren Mountain, I crossed paths with 'Pilgrim', who had shared the shuttle to Monson with me. He had been dropped off at Johnson Pond Road. He shared information about the trail north, the terrain, possible campsites, and I shared information about the direction he has heading. He mentioned that the trail to the cloud pond Lean-to was tough. I briefly thought about moving beyond it, but decided to stick with my plan. 

Cloud Pond

The trail was indeed a challenge. It was another short day as I arrived around 1 p.m.. I will be pushing harder tomorrow, and do not mind extra time to gather my strength.  

My Campsite Near The Lean-to

Day 4 - Cloud Pond Lean-to Pleasant River Campsite

Today was a long slog of a day. I got up early, wanting to get as far as possible. I met a hiker from Buffalo, NY as I was getting water. I broke camp at 7:12, for my earliest start so far.  It was downhill to begin, and I soon crossed into the 4th Mountain bog. I was a long boardwalk, but not too long. 

Entering 4th Mt. Bog

I climbed 4th Mountain after the bog, and came upon the remains of a plane. It had apparently crashed there, as part as I could tell, in an upside down position,  at some point in the distant past. It was stripped clean of most recognizable parts.

Unexpected Plane Crash Site

There were good views at 3rd Mountain Cliffs. Later, I stopped for water at a small stream and visited with a SOBO couple. It is really nice running into hikers from the opposite direction. We can share information about the upcoming trail.

Good Views (above and below)

The climb up Chairback Mt. was not too bad, but the steep descent over a boulder field was brutal. It reminded me a little of Mahoosic Notch. It was treacherous, with many difficult rock traverses and crevices. At one point, my electrolyte bottle on my belt popped out and dropped into a crevice never to be seen again. :-( I was grateful to make it back to the tree line. 

Climbing Chairback Mt. 

Flashback to Mahoosic Notch!

There were more ups and downs during the day. I passed a dry spring, but saw patches of ripe blueberries, which are always a treat. I crossed the Katahdin Ironworks Road and soon aproached the Pleasant River and the Gulf Hagas wilderness area, known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East'.  This is a popular area with day hikers, and no camping is permitted with in the preserve. 

Pleasant River Crossing

I did notice campsites on the opposite side of the river. I briefly visited with another SOBO hiker before fording the river. The river was wide, but not deep, and I forded it in my water shoes.  My goal for the evening was the designated Pleasant River Campsite not far beyond the crossing. At a trail interection, I followed the trail to the right towards the campsite and took the first one I came to next to the river. It was nice secluded site with a picnic table and fire pit.

Pleasant River Campsite...

...right next to the river

I set up camp, got water from the river. It began to rain just as I was finishing dinner and continued to rain most of the evening.     

Day 5 - Pleasant River Campsite to Sidney Tappan Campsite

The rain subsided in the morning, and I was able to get water from the river and eat breakfast at the picnic table. I broke camp and hit the trail at 8:12 a.m. I returned to the T intersection where the the AT and Gulf Hagas Trail parallel one another.

The Way North - AT and Gulf Hagas Trail

I passed a few SOBO hikers on the long gradual uphill, while one NOBO couple passed me. It paralleled a stream for most of the way. I rested at the Carl Newhall Leant-to, after which there a stiff climb up Gulf Hagas Mt.  The descent was better through some nice fern glades in a gap below the mountain. 

Small Falls Along the Way

I camp to the campsite to the left of the trail. There were no real good places to pitch my tent, but I found one relatively secluded spot. The water source for the campsite was a nice piped spring down the hill on the other side of the trail. It had great cold and clean water.

A Fern Glade

The Sidney Tappan Campsite

I have a big day tomorrow, with 3 imposing peaks to cross. I cooked up some ramen noodles and tuna for supper, and hung my wet things up to dry. I had to move quickly to put the rainfly on. 

My Semi-Secluded Campsite - ahhh!!

Two nitwits coming down the trail decided that it would be fun to suddenly yell very loudly to startle me. The noisiest and possibly obnoxious animal in the forest is definitely the domesticated human, which is why I try to avoid contact if possible. Most are nice and respectful, but you never know.    

Day 6 - Sydney Tappan Campsite to East Branch Lean-to

I got up early, visited the privy, filled up with more water from the great spring, and broke camp a little after 7 a.m..Today was a planned big day of hiking, but ended up a little shorter.. My guide book did show three big peaks to cross, so I knew it would not be easy. 

Another Peak Experience!

The three mountains were West Mt., Hay Mt, and the biggest one, White Cap. I stopped frequently to rest and hydrate. The climb up West Mt. was rather steep, but Hay Mt. was a gentler ascent. 

Nice Vista

The highlight of the day was White Cap Mt.. I was rewarded with an open, rocky summit, and great views in all directions. It was rather windy and cool, so I layered on my rain jacket as a wind breaker. The descent reminded me of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Much of it remained above the treeline.

White Cap Mt. 

Halfway down the mountain, I paused at a memorial bench with a great view. I passed the Logan Brook Shelter,  and was grateful for a flat section of trail for some ways. I couldn't resist pausing for water at a nice piped spring just off the trail. 

Memorial Bench View

Memorial to a Trail Legend!

Creative Maintenance

I thought about trying to go beyond the East Branch Lean-to to look for a stealth campsite across the river, but changed my mind. I was a little worried about getting to Johnson Pond Road on time for my food drop tomorrow. I had the shelter to myself, so decied to stay in it. A hiker from Philly, Shawn, stopped for lunch and we visited.    

My Home for Tonight!

Day 7 - East Branch Lean-To to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to 

It was a cold night in the shelter, but I was grateful to have it all to myself. I cannot stand crowed shelters, which is why I try to pitch my tent whenever I can. I stay in shelters occasionally, usually at the end of long days, if the weather is bad, or if they are empty. I wanted to get an early start to get to my food drop at Johnson Pond Road. 

A Beautiful Morning

I was up at 5, packed up my gear, ate breakfast, got water, and wask hiking at 6:38 a.m.. Shawn, from Philly, who I had visited with briefly yesterday, was adamant that it took exactly three hours to get to the road. I don't know how he knew this exactly, because everyone hikes at their own speed. Nonetheless, I used it as a marker.

Boardman Mountain Climb

It was a beautiful morning, and I was able to rock hop over the East Branch of the Pleasant River. The trail began to climb before flattening out by Mt. View Pond. Then followed a stiff climb up Little Boardman Mt., where I paused to rest at a nice viewpoint.

It was a little confusing the top as the trail veers to the right. There were no double blazes, as there normally are,  indicating this turn. I wandered a bit before finding the correct path. I never go far without looking for a blaze and always backtrack if I am in doubt. 

It was long grandual descent to Johnson Pond Road. On the way down, I passed a trail maintenance crew heading up the mountain. Kudos to all those volunteers who take care of the AT. There work is most appreciated. I arrived at the road a little after 10.

A driver from Shaws Hiker Hostel in Monson stopped. He was looking for a Tim and two others. My name is Tim, so I was initially confused. What are the chances of two Tims getting a food drop at the same location!? My driver was coming from the AT Hostel in Millinocket, so I had to wait a bit. I had a nice conversation with Mike, the driver from Shaws      

Trail Sign Just Ppast Johnson Pond Rd.

Two other SOBO hikers arrived. They were also getting a drop from the AT Hostel. The drive showed i[ shortly after 11, and introductions were made. He introduced himself as 'Professor', his trail name, but I was delighted to discover it was Carl, the friend and guide who would be summitting Katahdin with me. Carl is the grandson of the Presbyterian minister who performed my wedding in 1989! He was a licensed  guide and experienced hiker who worked for the hostel in the summers. Besides bringing our food, Carl brought a cooler full of cold drinks, which were most appreciated. 

I got the food from the bucket I had prepared, leaving my accumulated trash. , and continud down the trail. It was mostly flat past Crawford Pond all the way to the Lean-to. There was a nice waterfall in front of the shelter, and I found a nice site up the hill. A couple from Florida pitched their tent nearby and we visited a bit.Their Sawyer filter was not working well, so I was happy to lend them my syringe.

It was still early, and I had plenty of food, so I decided to cook Shepherds Pie for lunch, which was very filling. I mostly napped in my tent and read my book in the afternoon.

Mu Nice Campsite

Day 8 - Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to to Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to - 11.4 miles

This felt like a hard day, even though the terrain was relatively flat. I think is was it was more difficult to stay hydrated. I broke camp around 7:39 a.m.. The couple from Florida camped next to me took off a little earlier. It was another beautiful day, somewhat cooler in the morning, but much warmer in the afternoon.

Another Beautiful Morning

I took a little break next to a pond and crossed Jo Mary Rd. The Florida couple were there checking a new tent they had ordered, along with Mike, the shuttle driver from Shaws. I greeted them and headed on. They passed me again, when I stopped for another little break.

Breaking Near a Pond (above and below)

I stopped for lunch at the Antlers Campsite, and saw the Florida couple once more. They were worried about the weather, and were in a hurry to get to Millinocket by the 28th. My plan was to arrive there on the 29th. The weather was concerning to me as well, but I decided to stick with my original plan.  They soon departed, but before leaving, they told me about a beach on Jo Mary lake, not to be missed.

At the Antlers Campsite on Jo Mary Lake

Since I was concerned with hydration, I tanked up with water at the lake before heading on. Was I journeyed around the southern edge of the lake, I had a clear view of the beach across the way. I passed a SOBO hiker who had just come from there, who told me he had been skinny dipping there for half an hour, and the water was like 'bath water'.  I soon came to the beach and it was beautiful. 

The Maine 'Riviera' on Jo Mary Lake

I did something I never do, and stripped down to my undies and went in the water. It felt so good to wash some of the sweat and grime off while enjoying the water. I didn't really swim or go too far out, and modesty would never allow me to strip down completely. It was a very pleasant break on an unusually warm day.  

A Beach Break - Cooling my Heels!

The trail climbed a bit more after that. I arrived at the Lean-to about 3:30 and picked a site. I got water from the spring source, which was nice and cold, and drank a bunch. There seemed to be more mosquitos here, so I stayed in my tent most of the afternoon. 

Day 9 - Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to to Wadleigh Stream Lean-to - 10.1 miles

Where I Am Going

It was a peaceful night in camp, but with some crazy dreams. I got water from the nice spring source, and filled up my reservoir. I left around 7:17 a.m. for the 10.1 mile hike. It was another warm day, so I decided I would  take water every 15 minutes or so and take off my pack every two hours.

The Path

I think I mentioned the trail being well-maintained. It is true, but I was even surprised to see my first staircase ever on the AT!  I took a break here, and was passed by a young, fast moving thru-hiker working on a 30 mile day.

My First Ever Trail Staircase
(and in the 100 mile wilderness!!)

I arrived at Kakahmanta Stream and followed the stream and lakeshore most of the day. I can never resist a spring, and I stopped at Wood Rat Spring which was right along the trail. The trail had a few ups and downs before arriving at the lean-to around 2:45 p.m.

Trail Along the Lakeshore
(above and below)

A Beach Traverse

There was no one else there. My guide book indicated that the water source stream could be dry at times, but I was able to get water from it. There were no good campsites around, and I was hopeful that I might have the shelter to myself.

A father, Evo,  with his two sons from Holland came by, wanting to stay. Other hikers passed through - two SOBOS and an 80 year old hiker on his second thru-hike, 'Tinker'. Tinker was a talker, but mostly interested in the Dutch family. 

I helped one of the sons gather wood for a fire. Several more hikers showed up: 'Ain't Right' from Georgia, who was completing his last section after 23 years; 'Hummer' from Vermont and his friend from NYC.  They pitched their tents around the shelter, while I decided to stay in it. 

Day 10 - Wadleigh Stream Lean-to Rainbow Spring Campsite - 11.9 miles

I got up early before the others in the shelter, and started packing up. Evo was having foot problems with blisters. I comiserated, having gone through that myself the first few years on the trail. I gave him some neosporin and mole skin. I always carried it with me, but hadn't needed it in quite a while. 

View of Katahdin from Nesuntabunt Mt.

I started down the trail at 6:55. The trail soon began to climb up Nesuntabunt Mt.  It was an especially tough climb near the top. I stopped at a nice viewpoint, with a good view of Katahdin on the way down the other side.

It was a long descent to Crescent Pond. On the way, I passed a guy who asked me to look for a canoe paddle in the trail. He asked me if I would put in in the canoe, and that it wasn't far. He had wanted to canoe, but the paddle was missing.  He said it was only half a mile or so. I kept an eye out for it, but didn't see it. The trail circled the pond.

Pollywog Gorge 
(above and below)

I continued in the the rim of Pollywog Gorge, and took a lunch break at the gorge overlook. It was an impressive sight - very steep and deep. I continued to several stream crossings, and then paralelled a very pretty stream with many enticing pools. I stopped to soak my feet by one small cascade. 

My Perfonal Cascade

Soaking My Tired Feet

I passed the Rainbow Stream Lean-to, and chatted briefly with a local lady. Beyond the lean-to it was rooty and rocky along the shore of Rainbow Lake. I passed a canoe paddle in the trail, which was more like 3 or 4 miles from where I encountered that hiker. I did pick it up and put it in a swamped canoe not far down the trail.

The Elusive Canoe Paddle

I arrived at the Rainbow Spring Campsite a little after  4, and found a site. There was a group of noisy kids swimming and taking up most of the prime tent sites. The crew from the previous night arrived a short time later and found sites near the lake. The spring was a great water source emptying from a pipe directly into the lake.   

Day 11 - Rainbow Spring Campsite to Hurd Brook Lean-to

Day 12 - Hurd Brook Lean-to to Katahdin Stream Campsites

Day 13 - Zero Day in Millinocket

Day 14 - Katahdin Stream to Mt. Katahdin - Fine!