The trail heads east from the road and almost immediately becomes extremely steep. Iron rungs make it possible to ascend the steepest rock faces. After slightly less than a mile, the grade lessens and the trail climbs steadily upward through mixed hardwood stands. There is a view over Black Brook Notch before the trail heads away from the cliff area. A mile from the summit, the trail steepens again as it climbs through spruce-fir forest.
The summit is not totally open, but there are plentiful views over the krummholtz (stunted) spruce and fir trees. From the summit, the AT continues toward Elephant Mountain to the east.
Do not underestimate the difficulty of hiking the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Maine. Be sure to carry equipment and supplies necessary for this undertaking and be prepared for challenging weather conditions. Please educate yourself before hiking, so that you can have the knowledge and skills necessary for an enjoyable and safe hike. Fires are only allowed in the provided fireplace ring at established campsites; it is illegal in Maine to build a fire elsewhere.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs from Maine to Georgia along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains. It is managed cooperatively by the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and 31 trail-maintaining clubs along with other federal and state land managers whose land the trail crosses. Over 3 million people visit the A.T. every year. Since its inception in the 1920s, thousands of volunteers have worked tirelessly to maintain, manage, and protect the Appalachian Trail.
In Maine, the all-volunteer Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) maintains and protects the 267-mile section of the Appalachian Trail extending from Katahdin in Baxter State Park to Grafton Notch at ME-26. In addition, MATC maintains over 60 miles of side trails as well as a system of regularly-spaced shelters and campsites to preserve access to wild, backcountry hiking in Maine. MATC publishes The Official Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine, which includes seven maps, please visit their website for information on how to purchase the guide or to learn more about becoming a member of MATC.
Visit Maine Appalachian Trail Club online for more information or contact:
From Andover, head east on ME-120. After 0.6 miles, turn left on South Arm Road. Drive on South Arm Road for 7.6 miles. Parking is along the widened right shoulder after the AT crossing of the road.
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