BSP Trail Maps and Descriptions

Hunt Trail to The Owl (3,670 ft.)
Team Red, Team White, and Team Blue

NPS rating: Strenuous

This mountain is the first summit in the long, high range that runs west and north from Katahdin around The Klondike Stream and is especially steep.

From Katahdin Stream Campground, follow Hunt Trail for 1.1 mi. (approx. 45 mins) to a junction at 1500 feet. Here, The Owl Trail leads left at a point just before the crossing of Katahdin Stream. The trail then follows north the bank of a tributary before turning sharply right (southeast) and crossing the tributary at 1.6 miles (last source of water). The trail climbs gradually through dense spruce and fir and follows the western spur toward the summit. At 2.9 miles the trail rises steeply through a ravine and then across the upper part of The Owl’s prominent cliffs. At 3.4 miles the trail reaches the first outlook. After a more gradual climb, it reaches the summit at 3.5 miles. Views in all directions are outstanding, especially those into the Klondike and Witherle Ravine.

3.5 miles: 2 hours and 40 minutes to summit

Rainbow Loop Trail (1,640 ft.)
Team Gold

NPS rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Rainbow Loop Trail is the combination of (3) different trails (Blue Trail, Rainbow Loop Trail, and Horserace Pond Trail) ranging from MODERATE to STRENUOUS difficulty ratings. This trail starts at nearly approximately 600′ above sea-level before rising up and down vertical ascents in excess of 1600′. This beautiful trail system is located off of the Golden Road just outside of Baxter State Park and is managed by The Nature Conservancy’s northern Maine field office.

From the trailhead, follow the Blue Trail (marked with blue blazes) 0.6 miles where it will intersect with Horserace Pond Trail. Turn left and continue on Blue Trail for another mile. During this stretch, you will quickly climb to approximately 1,340′ before reaching the next trail intersection at 1.6 mile mark with Rainbow Loop Trail. Take a right onto Rainbow Loop Trail (marked with orange blazes) and climb down approximately 100′ before beginning your next ascent to 1,640′. At this elevation, we find the second scenic overlook, marked with a star below on the map and approximately 3.0 miles into the overall trek. This is where the Circle Testimonies will take place. Once complete, continue on to Horserace Pond at the 3.6 mile mark. Then use Horeserace Pond Trail (marked with yellow blazes) to trek to the 5.6 mile mark at the intersection of Horserace Pond Trail and Blue Trail. Take a left onto Blue Trail (marked with blue blazes) and return to the trailhead to finish the 6.2-mile journey.

6.2 miles: 3 hours, 50 minutes total hiking time

Abol Trail – Mount Katahdin (5,268 ft.)
(Alternate)

NPS rating: Strenuous

Abol Trail is believed to be the oldest route up Katahdin, and evidence exists that the first recorded ascent took place near this trail. It follows a great slide up the southwestern side of the mountain. (Note: This route is steep and entails hiking over a large amount of loose rock and gravel in the slide. Please climb and descend with great care.)

The trail leaves Park Tote Road at Abol Campground. The trail passes through the campground and, at 0.2 miles, enters an old tote road to reach the southern bank of a tributary of Abol Stream. Abol Trail continues along the stream for 0.6 miles before the trail bears sharply right (northeast) away from the brook. The trail reaches a gravel wash of old Abol Slide (1.3 miles) and climbs to reach a second slide at 1.9 miles. Beyond this point, the route is steeper and is almost entirely bare rock and loose gravel. Large boulders and increasing steepness mark the latter part of this climb. Upon reaching the tableland, the trail leads 0.1 miles to Thoreau Springs (unreliable water source) and the junction with Hunt Trail at 3.2 miles. Turn right on Hunt Trail and continue northeast up gentler slopes to the summit at Baxter Peak, which is reached in an additional 1.0 miles.

4.2 miles: 4 hours and 5 minutes to summit