Maine’s Highest Mountains 2026: Top 4,000-Foot Peaks & Hiking Guide
- Gerry Caron
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Explore Maine’s Highest Mountains in 2026: Peaks, Trails & Outdoor Adventure
Maine is home to some of the most dramatic and scenic mountains in the Northeast, with 14 peaks rising above 4,000 feet. The rugged terrain of the Longfellow Mountains — part of the same Appalachian range that extends from New Hampshire’s White Mountains — offers thrilling hikes, panoramic overlooks, and wilderness experiences unmatched in the region. Whether you’re aspiring to summit Mount Katahdin, tackle a High Peaks trek, or explore ski terrain on Sugarloaf and Saddleback Mountains, this guide covers the top Maine’s Highest Mountains you should know in 2026.
🏔️ Why Maine’s Mountains Are Epic
Maine’s mountains are not just tall — they are steeped in natural beauty, outdoor history, and adventure. From the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Mount Katahdin to challenging 4,000-footers across Franklin, Somerset, Oxford, and Piscataquis counties, these peaks draw hikers and nature lovers worldwide. Thanks to broad wilderness areas like Baxter State Park and the High Peaks region, many summits offer solitude as well as challenge. Wikipedia
🏆 Top 10 Tallest Mountains in Maine
Rank | Mountain Peak | Elevation (ft) | Location (County) |
1 | Mount Katahdin (Baxter Peak) | 5,269 | Piscataquis |
2 | Mount Katahdin (Hamlin Peak) | 4,756 | Piscataquis |
3 | Sugarloaf Mountain | 4,250 | Franklin |
4 | Crocker Mountain | 4,228 | Franklin |
5 | Old Speck Mountain | 4,170 | Oxford |
6 | North Brother | 4,151 | Piscataquis |
7 | Bigelow Mountain (West Peak) | 4,145 | Somerset |
8 | Saddleback Mountain | 4,120 | Franklin |
9 | Bigelow Mountain (Avery Peak) | 4,090 | Somerset |
10 | Mount Abraham | 4,050 | Franklin |
These peaks represent the most prominent summits above 4,000 feet in Maine — a distinction coveted by hikers and peak-baggers alike. komoot
🌄 Highlighted Peaks & Outdoor Experiences
🥇 Mount Katahdin – The Crown Jewel of Maine
Elevation: 5,269 ft (Baxter Peak) — the tallest mountain in Maine and New England’s 22nd highest state high point. Wikipedia
Where: Baxter State Park, Piscataquis County
Why Go: It’s the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, with iconic routes like the challenging Knife Edge traverse, and countless wilderness views. LiveAbout
Best For: Summit seekers, thru-hikers, experienced hikers
Mount Katahdin isn’t just the highest peak—it’s a rite of passage for serious hikers. The diverse terrain rewards both physical effort and scenic immersion. Wikipedia
🎿 Sugarloaf Mountain – Hike and Ski in a Premier Resort Setting
Elevation: ~4,250 ft
Location: Carrabassett Valley, Franklin County
Why Go: Famous for Sugarloaf Ski Resort, this peak also offers scenic hiking in summer and early fall. Wikipedia
Located within a mountain resort area, Sugarloaf blends outdoor recreation with accessibility — ideal for families and mixed-ability groups.
🥾 Crocker Mountain & Old Speck Mountain – Classic High Peaks
Crocker Mountain: ~4,228 ft, traversed by the Appalachian Trail. Wikipedia
Old Speck Mountain: ~4,170 ft — highest peak in the Mahoosuc Range. Mainely Skiing
These peaks offer remote backcountry vibes and score high on views, elevation gain, and classic New England ridge hiking.
🌲 Bigelow Range, North Brother & Saddleback Mountain
The Bigelow Range includes West and Avery peaks (~4,145 and ~4,090 ft), known for sweeping vistas and ridge lines. Saddleback at ~4,120 ft is prized for its uniqueness and proximity to Rangeley. Mainely Skiing
🏕️ Mount Abraham – Elegant Peak with Great Views
Elevation: ~4,050 ft Wikipedia Part of the Franklin high country, Abraham rewards hikers with panoramic views of West Forks and beyond.
🧭 Where to Hike & Outdoor Logistics
🗺️ Baxter State Park
Location: Northeast Piscataquis, Baxter State Park
Why Visit: Home to Mount Katahdin and several 4,000-footers, this park preserves rugged wilderness and old-growth forests. Wikipedia
🥾 High Peaks Region
Centered around Franklin County, this region includes Sugarloaf, Crocker, Saddleback, Bigelow peaks, and provides incredible multi-day backpacking opportunities. Lewiston Sun Journal
🏙️ Trail Towns
Nearby communities like Millinocket and Rangeley provide lodging, guides, and outdoor shops to support your adventure.
🏕️ Tips for Hiking Maine’s Tallest Mountains
Preparation: Weather can change rapidly above treeline — bring layers and navigation tools.
Safety: Many of these peaks require experience with steep, rocky terrain, especially on routes like Knife Edge on Katahdin. LiveAbout
Timing: Summer to early fall is prime hiking season; winter ascents require mountaineering skills.
📌 In Closing: Maine’s Mountains Are a Must-Explore Outdoor Destination
From the dramatic granite walls of Mount Katahdin to the alpine ridges of Sugarloaf and Bigelow, Maine’s highest mountains offer unforgettable outdoor experiences for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re chasing scenic summits, seeking challenging ridge walks, or planning a High Peaks adventure itinerary, Maine’s peaks provide some of the best mountain experiences in the Northeast.
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Cabin Rentals
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Ready to explore? Grab your boots, plan your route, and discover why Maine’s mountains are so widely celebrated by outdoor enthusiasts. 🥾🏔️
