Abol Trail

A very steep trail which follows a slide (loose gravel and stones).

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Abol Trail Details

NOTE: Due to substantial debris movement during the winter, the Abol Trail has been closed for the 2014 season. Hiking on the Abol Trail is prohibited. Hikers on the trail will be subject to summons and billed for cost reimbursement of any search and rescue expense incurred on their behalf. A very steep trail which follows a slide (loose gravel and stones). This trail is typically combined with Hunt Trail for a 11 mile loop trip (including 2 road miles) to the summit of Katahdin. This trail is not recommended for descent. The trail was created after a great landslide in 1816 which destroyed what was believed to be a cliff or cliffs. It is believed to be the oldest route up the mountain and evidence suggests that this was the first recorded ascent of the mountain. The trail leaves Abol Campground and heads northeast, ascending along a tributary of Abol Stream and passes through a thick spruce forest. At approximately 3,200 feet, the Abol Slide begins and it is at this point you should begin to use extreme caution. The trail is very steep and there is loose gravel and stones all around you. Be sure not to loosen rocks which could potentially injure hikers below. Try to stay to the side of the trail where you'll find the brush - it provides the least amount of loose rock and best footing. At approximately 4,100 feet you encounter a level terrace which is known as "Green Island" - home of the former camp Sewall Camp which was named after Warden Frank A. Sewall. After passing the terrace, the trail continues to ascend until passing through the Needle's Eye - two large talus boulders. You should consider changing out of your wet clothing at this point and making sure you have easy access to additional layers because once you rise onto the Table Land, the temperature and conditions can change rapidly. After ascending onto the Table Land, you are approximately 1/4 mile below Thoreau Spring and the junction with the Hunt Trail and Baxter Peak Cutoff. Proceed to the intersection and turn right. Abol Trail ends at this point and Baxter Peak is 1 mile ahead. Katahdin hikes from parking lots require a full day (8-10 hours round trip). Important on all hikes, but especially important on Katahdin hikes; carry a minimum of 2 quarts of water per person.

Difficulty

High

Distance

3.8 miles

Estimated time

3 hours

Region

N/A