Upcoming Hikes
We have two hikes available this year! To register email coordinator@maineiat.org. There will also be a hike as part of the Annual Meeting agenda. More details on that soon.
Family Hike & Nature Journaling on the first part of the International Appalachian Trail in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
June 20, 2026
Leader: Amy Barker
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026, meet at 10am at the start of the International Appalachian Trail at mile 12 on the Katahdin Woods and Waters Loop Road.
Difficulty and length in miles: We will be hiking an out and back hike which will be about 2-3 miles total. The hiking is very easy. Perfect for all ages.
Description of the hike: We will be hiking the first mile and a half of the International Appalachian Trail, out and back. We will start at mile 12 of the Katahdin Loop Road and will have a nice hike talking about nature journaling, plant identifications, animals, and trees of Maine. We will also talk about the trail, and how it began! When we turn back, we will stop at the Katahdin Brook Shelter, we will sit and learn more about nature journaling, have lunch, and do some nature journaling. This is a family hike, so all ages are encouraged to attend!
What to bring: Bring warm clothes just in case, bug stuff, good footwear for the trail may be slippery in places, and water. Nature journals, art supplies, and a handout on nature journaling will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. We should finish just after lunch time.
Limit: The number of people is limited to 10 total, so make sure to register in a timely manner.
Contact information: Amy Barker coordinator@maineiat.org
From the intersection of Maine Route 11 & Swift Brook Road, it is approximately 12 miles to the Katahdin Loop Road. Plan your trip by viewing a map of the local area and follow signs within the monument proper.
Traveling on Swift Brook Road
Use caution when traveling on the Swift Brook Road, which is a gravel road. All gravel roads in the area are shared with logging and equipment trucks. Logging trucks always have the right of way. It is important to drive slowly, keep to the right side of the road, and yield to oncoming trucks. If you are traveling north on Maine Route 11, use caution when making the left turn onto Swift Brook Road as there is limited sight distance.
- Please be considerate of your speed as you pass the residential area near the intersection.
- There is no public transportation directly to entrances of the monument.
- Mobile phone and GPS coverage is spotty and unreliable.
Deasey Pond Trail Hike
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Leaders: Cliff Young of the Maine IAT and Nancy Hathaway of Dark Skies Maine and the Maine IAT
Date: Saturday, October 3r, 2026 (The morning of Stars over Katahdin)
Difficulty and length in miles: Easy-1.2miles
Description of the hike: Meet at Taylor Camps at 10AM on the Swift River Road just off of Route 11 in Staceyville. This is the road that leads into the Monument. We will caravan into the trailhead which is a 12 mile drive on a gravel road. This hiking trail is easy and mostly flat. We will have an early lunch at the pond. After on your own you can then explore the Loop Road or Tekakapimek Visitor’s Contact Center.
Stars over Katahdin will take place at Taylor Camps around 4pm where there will be talks and astronomy educators with telescopes for viewing the night sky. See https://www.friendsofkww.org/stars/ for more details.
What to bring: Dress for the weather.
Contact information: Nancy Hathaway hathaway.n@gmail.com and Cliff Young cayoung114@outlook.com
From the intersection of Maine Route 11 & Swift Brook Road, it is approximately 12 miles to the Katahdin Loop Road. Plan your trip by viewing a map of the local area and follow signs within the monument proper.
Traveling on Swift Brook Road
Use caution when traveling on the Swift Brook Road, which is a gravel road. All gravel roads in the area are shared with logging and equipment trucks. Logging trucks always have the right of way. It is important to drive slowly, keep to the right side of the road, and yield to oncoming trucks. If you are traveling north on Maine Route 11, use caution when making the left turn onto Swift Brook Road as there is limited sight distance.
- Please be considerate of your speed as you pass the residential area near the intersection.
- There is no public transportation directly to entrances of the monument.
- Mobile phone and GPS coverage is spotty and unreliable.
