FarOut Listened — And the International AT got a BIG UPGRADE!

In response to rising interest and trail use, the Maine section of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) has become much more hiker-friendly following a significant upgrade on the mobile navigation platform “FarOut Guides” in 2025.

A reliable resource for thru-hikers and section hikers alike, FarOut Guides has long offered detailed trail maps, elevation profiles, and user-generated tips for the IAT. With this latest update, hikers tackling Maine’s IAT will gain access to significantly more services and town connections, especially in areas that were previously hard to navigate logistically.

The four communities—Caribou, Presque Isle, Mars Hill, and Millinocket—have been added to FarOut’s list of support towns along the trail. These towns are strategically positioned near the trail’s northern and southern terminuses and serve as vital access points for hikers navigating this remote region. These additions, along with a broader service expansion in the township of Houlton, also address a nearly 52-mile service gap between mile markers 85.5 and 137.3 in Fort Fairfield—a stretch previously underserved in terms of documented resources.

As a result of these efforts, the number of active services on the FarOut Guides app along the Maine IAT has jumped from 19 to 61, marking a 215% increase in backcountry support and visibility for the region. This development is not just a win for hikers—it’s a win for Maine’s rural communities. Many of the businesses now featured in the app are small, locally run establishments that stand to benefit from increased foot traffic and trail tourism. Adventurers can now find updated listings for restaurants, grocery stores, gear outfitters, lodging options, and post offices—all hand-picked to support the backpacking community.

The update reflects a growing investment in Maine’s outdoor recreation infrastructure and positions the IAT as an increasingly accessible and community-integrated long-distance hiking experience.