Appalachian Trail #9 (Pleasant Street to Monson)

The 282 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is generally considered the most difficult of the fourteen states that the A.T. traverses. While the elevations seldom top 4,000 feet , the terrain is often difficult and there are frequent rock scrambles through very rugged terrain.  The hiking season in Maine is typically from late May to early October. Snow can linger on higher peaks into June, and weather can change rapidly.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) does not recommend the Maine A.T. for novice hikers.  There are limited bridges in the State due to the spring snowmelt and the streams on the trail require frequent fording.  Slippery and sometimes hazardous weather can occur at any time, and the Maine A.T. is frequently remote to say the least.  In some sections, don’t expect to hike more than a mile an hour and get used to steep ascents and descents.  That said – the Maine A.T. has some of the most stunning and remote wilderness on the entire trail.  It is often cited as a favorite State for many A.T. thru-hikers.   

This short hike along the Appalachian Trail is near Monson, Maine and covers a section between Pleasant Street and Maine Highway 15.  The trail follows the A.T. west of town crossing Buck Hill (1587 feet) and continuing past Lake Hebron.  There are parking areas at both ME 15 and Pleasant Street with the latter requiring a short 0.3 miles walk following blue-blazes to reach the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. This is the last stretch of the A.T. for northbound thru-hikers before they enter the coveted 100-Mile Wilderness.  Most stock up and rest in Monson before the push to Mt. Katahdin and there is a small grocery, pub & restaurant, and some inexpensive hostels in town.