Maine Backpacking
When: August 30-September 5, 2026
Cost: $1500
Trip size: 5-7 guests
$500 non-refundable deposit to book
https://thegirlstripadventureco.com/products/maine-deposit
Before placing a deposit, please contact us to join this trip!
Come spend a week in Maine on a 4 day intermediate-level trek on the Appalachian Trail and experience one of the most talked-about and more difficult sections of the Maine AT. With views into Canada and New Hampshire, mountain top ponds for swimming, rock scrambles to climb, and sunrises and sunsets that inspire, this trek packs a punch. Covering roughly 36 miles and around 5,000 feet of elevation gain, this trek is perfect for intermediate backpackers, and a welcoming challenge for those who have not yet backpacked, but have experience in hiking difficult and rocky terrain and have a high level of fitness. After the hike, cool off by rafting class IV whitewater on the Kennebec River; the perfect level of adrenaline for beginners and fun for seasoned paddlers as well. Lodging includes 1 night in an upscale hiker hostel, 2 nights of tent camping along the trail, 1 night at an AT-famous off grid cabin camp, and 2 nights of full-amenities lodging before and after rafting. This trip includes guest pickup and drop off in Portland, ME and PWM airport, all transportation and lodging within trip dates, some meals including a seaside lobster lunch on day one, and an experienced licensed guide for the full trip. Backpacking gear and trail meals not included.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Guest pickup in Portland, ME and a seaside lobster lunch, afternoon drive to Carrabassett Valley. Dinner at the locals favorite restaurant and bar. Gear checks and repacking.
Day 2: Appalachian Trail backpacking 8.1 miles. Starting from the main road through town, begin our climb up the Bigelow range, trekking up steep, rocky terrain through dense forest, until your views open up as we near the top of the ridge. Enjoy a dip or soaking your feet in the cool water with a lunch break at Horn Pond, a classic Maine mountaintop pond. Continue on 3 more miles to our campsite. Pitch your tent and enjoy an evening nestled in the Bigelow Col, just south of Avery Peak, one of Maine's iconic 14 4,000 footers
Day 3: Appalachian Trail backpacking 10 miles. Wake up early to catch sunrise on top of Avery Peak, a short climb from our previous nights campsite. After sunrise, continue on across the wide open ridge with 360 degree views and mountain wild blueberries. As the day continues, we climb and dip in and out of the trees to our lakeside campsite on Flagstaff Lake. Enjoy a campfire and falling asleep to the sounds of the loons. 
Day 4: Appalachian Trail backpacking 15.3 miles. Wake up early to make the most of a long day. While the mileage is long, this day is far easier than the first two, as you gain very minimal elevation and enjoy a relatively flat day meandering around creeks and ponds. Good day for potential moose sightings! End your day with an iconic Maine stay at Harrison's on Pierce Pond, a 90+ year old traditional Maine fish camp, run by a Maine legend, Tim Harrison. Relax on the porch swings with your shoes off, while your 4 course dinner is prepared for you by Tim himself. Sleep in off-grid, hand built log cabins falling asleep to the cadence of the creek that runs through the property.
Day 5: Appalachian Trail backpacking 3.2 miles. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to complete our final short miles. Arrive at the Kennebec River crossing, The AT's largest river crossing. Hop aboard the canoe ferry to get across the river, which leads you to your lodging for the night, a much deserved shower, cold beverage, and ice cream!
Day 6: Whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River. Fun for beginners and experienced rafters! Tackle 13 miles of river with rapids ranging from class II to class IV. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the river and a relaxing float-out. 
Day 7: Guest drop offs in Portland, ME. 7am departure time.