Katahdin

Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in the U.S. state of Maine, with an elevation of 5,267 feet (1,606 meters). It sits in Baxter State Park in Piscataquis County, near Millinocket, in the north-central part of the state. The name Katahdin derives from the Penobscot language and is commonly translated as “The Greatest Mountain.”

Geography and geology: Katahdin is a massive granite massif shaped by multiple glacial episodes. Its summit area features exposed rock and subalpine vegetation, with the tree line at higher elevations and dramatic views over the surrounding forested landscape.

The mountain is the centerpiece of Baxter State Park and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the United States from Georgia. Several established routes lead to the summit. The Hunt Trail is the most frequently used approach and connects with the Appalachian Trail at Katahdin's base. Other popular routes include the Abol Trail and a number of northeast approaches; the Knife Edge is a famous narrow ridgeline on some routes near the summit and is known for its exposure and alpine character.

Climbers and hikers visit Katahdin year-round, though weather can be severe and conditions change quickly. The summit area is exposed to wind and sudden storms, with temperatures much lower than at the base.