From Baxter to the Border, A rundown of Maine’s IAT

Whether you set off with the goal of completing the Eastern Continental Trail, you couldn’t shake the hiking bug after summiting Katahdin on the Appalachian Trail (AT), or are wishing to tackle the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) as a standalone challenge, you might have found that there isn’t a whole lot of information online to assist in planning your trip. Today we’re going to change that, as I break down everything you need to know about backpacking Maine’s IAT.

First let’s begin with the fact that the IAT is truly an international trail. Even before you reach the border crossing station in Fort Fairfield, you will spend nearly 12-miles traversing an area known as “The Slash”. Spanning 25ft across, this “cleared” piece of land serves as the visual border between the United States and Canada. It is in your best interest to contact the Border Patrol at 1(800) 851–8727 to inform them of your intent to move through this section of trail. Note that even when contacted, the Border Patrol will still send out a patrol to intersect you one or more times in this area of ambiguous control, as to inquire about your presence, and make sure you don’t stray into our neighbors’ yards.

Now on to the trail itself…

Trailhead Access

NOBO Hikers: The town of Millinocket will be your destination. For those traveling to the area, Bangor, Maine will be your closest airport to the southern terminus. From here, you can take the Cyr Bus Line to community of Medway, before arranging a shuttle from one of the local hostels.

For those already on the AT, unfortunately there is no legal way to connect the two footpaths. It’s suggested we shuttle out of Baxter State Park and access the Katahdin Woods & Water National Monument using local services. I will note that the FarOut app is extremely helpful when it comes to navigating to the southern terminus. Make sure to consult the comment section at mile marker 0.0 before finalizing any plans you may have.

SOBO Hikers: The town of Fort Fairfield, located at the Northern Terminus, has no major public transportation. It’s larger neighbor, Presque Isle, houses an airport, as well as a stop along the Cyr Bus Route. The partnering settlement, Caribou, also holds the final stop of the same coach line. From here you can hitch or catch a Taxi to the international crossing.

Terrian

Compared to AT, the IAT contains littles challenges. The first 30 miles of the trail are immersive, quiet, and tranquil, but at times severely overgrown. From mile 30.1 to 85.5, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing shoes with plenty of cushion, as dirt and paved roads dominate this section of trail. Miles 85.5 to 117.3 offers little difference with Bangor & Aroostook Rail Trail, as speeding cars are replaced with ATV’s. The path is flat, spacious, and well groomed, providing a great surface for covering long distances, but presents little refuge from the midday sun. Finally, from the base of Mars Hill Mountain until the border crossing, the trail follows a mixture of service roads, “The Slash”, and footpaths vaguely marked with surveyor’s tape. Again, FarOut will be your friend navigating through this section. Calm water crossings are required near both terminuses, but nowhere in between.

Towns / Resupply

Traveling north, your first conveniences will occur at the “Matagamon Wilderness Camps and Store”, located at mile 30 as you the exit the national monument. The next services come from Mt. Chase/Shin Pond locality, which holds a small gas station at Mile 44.7. Once you reach Houlton, towns come rapidly between markers 85.5 to 138.1. The municipality of Mars Hill, mile marker 115, is truly a hiker’s dream, as the trail splits the community. Groceries, fresh food, and lodging, all just a few steps away.

Water

H20 proved to be adequate on the trail network, but can be difficult to access at times. Due to the limited foot travel, little accommodation has been made for the easement of water collection. This often leads to steep and/or overgrown climbs and descents to meet your needs.

Shelters / Camping

The shelter system we’ve come to know and love about the AT continues through parts of the IAT as well. Katahdin Woods and Water contains 4 in the first 22 miles of the journey alone. Two more structures are built along the Bangor & Aroostook Rail Trail near the township of Houlton. Followed by an additional two lean-tos in the last 19 miles between the summit of Mars Hill Mountain and Fort Fairfield.

Camping areas past mile 30 come at a premium. A screened in gazebo along the Sebeois River at mile 38.5 offers a place where you lay your head, while also providing a sanctuary from the swarms of bugs. Famed backpacker, Daniel “Blackalachian” White, also offers basics accommodations at his campground “Zion North”, just outside of Houlton. Outside of these listed locations, hikers should prepare to be resourceful and/or stealthy when finding a location to pitch at night. Due to the insects, cowboy camping is not recommended.

All and all, Maine’s IAT offers a different type of hiker experience. The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is truly a gem of a wilderness area. The road walking, although labored, lets you see the communities in a different perspective, especially as you stroll through the Amish country. Plus, the confusion on the crossing guards face when you tell them where you’ve been is priceless. The Maine IAT is the perfect trail for those longing to see undisturbed countryside, wildlife, and well-armed government agents on their next trip.

What do you say, would this be a good trail for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!