Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness: The Wildest Stretch of the Appalachian Trail
For hikers on the Appalachian Trail, few names carry as much weight as the 100-Mile Wilderness. This is the trail's final great test before Katahdin — the most remote stretch of the entire 2,000-plus-mile footpath, a hundred miles of deep forest, wild ponds, and rushing streams with almost no roads, towns, or easy escapes. It is demanding, beautiful, and unforgettable. Here is what makes it so special.
What Is the 100-Mile Wilderness?
The 100-Mile Wilderness is the next-to-last section of the Appalachian Trail, running roughly 100 miles from the village of Monson — just south of Moosehead Lake — north to Abol Bridge on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, at the doorstep of Baxter State Park and Katahdin. Spread across some 750,000 acres of forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers, it is one of the last truly wild landscapes in the eastern United States.
Remote and Demanding
This is the AT at its most serious. There are very few places to resupply or bail out along the way, so hikers are famously advised to carry as much as ten days of food (or arrange food drops) before setting out. A well-known warning sign at the Monson trailhead reminds travelers to be fully prepared and self-sufficient. The terrain is rugged — rocky climbs, river fords, and long remote stretches — and the reward is a level of solitude and wilderness that is increasingly rare.
From Cooper Brook to Nahmakanta Stream
The heart of the wilderness holds some of its finest scenery. Cooper Brook Falls is a beloved spot where cold, clear water cascades into a deep pool right in front of a trailside lean-to — a perfect place to rest and swim. Farther along, the trail eases through the Nahmakanta Public Lands, a gentler, rolling section of big trees and mirror-like ponds. Between the two, you pass berry bogs, quiet shorelines, and the kind of remote country that defines the Maine North Woods.
Ponds, Streams, and Big Woods
Water is everywhere here. The wilderness is dotted with pristine ponds and laced with brooks and streams, home to moose, loons, and brook trout. Mornings often bring mist rising off still water and the call of a loon carrying across the surface. It is a landscape that rewards those who slow down and take it in.
Planning a Trip
Most hikers experience the 100-Mile Wilderness either as part of a full Appalachian Trail thru-hike or as a multi-day section hike. Shuttle services and food-drop options run out of Monson for those tackling the whole stretch. Because it is so remote, careful planning is essential: pack in everything you need, follow Leave No Trace principles, and check current trail conditions and any Baxter State Park requirements before you go. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club are the best sources for up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 100-Mile Wilderness?
It is roughly 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, running from Monson, Maine, north to Abol Bridge near Baxter State Park and Katahdin.
Why is the 100-Mile Wilderness so famous?
It is the most remote stretch of the entire Appalachian Trail, with almost no roads, towns, or resupply points across some 750,000 acres of wild forest, ponds, and streams.
Do I need to carry all my food for the 100-Mile Wilderness?
Largely, yes. With very few resupply options, hikers typically carry up to about ten days of food or arrange food drops before starting, and should be fully self-sufficient.
What is Cooper Brook Falls?
Cooper Brook Falls is a scenic highlight of the 100-Mile Wilderness, where cold water cascades into a deep pool in front of a trailside lean-to — a popular rest and swimming spot.