Dad's knee-aware northern field reference

Know the up.
Respect the down.

Every named mountain from mile 1,850 to Katahdin, with the climb and the northbound descent treated as two equal halves of the terrain.

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Final stretch

347.9 miles

Climbing: +86.0k ft
Descending: −83.3k ft
Mountains: 51

Downhill watchlist

The descents most likely to matter to tired knees.

Ranked by loss rate, total loss, descending grade, and rocky footing—not by summit height.

01 Old Speck Mountain −2,690 ft · 9.9/10
02 Avery Peak −1,820 ft · 9.9/10
03 Goose Eye Mountain −2,560 ft · 9.7/10
04 Baldpate Mountain - West and East Peaks −3,160 ft · 9.7/10
05 Mount Madison −4,090 ft · 9.6/10
06 Wyman Mountain −2,010 ft · 9.6/10
07 Saddleback Junior −2,420 ft · 9.6/10
08 Mount Moriah −3,380 ft · 9.5/10

How the guide scores terrain

The harder half sets the overall number.

Up keeps the current movement score. Down is a separate knee-load screen. Overall terrain demand is whichever score is higher, so a serious descent cannot disappear inside an average.

UPClimb demand

DOWNKnee load

→

OVERALLHigher score

Start at NOBO mile Find a mountain

NOBO 1,855.1

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Webster

~3,812 ft · 342.8 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 3.1 mi
Gain: +2,630 ft
Gain rate: 860 ft/mi
Steepest: 45.4%
Rockiness: 9.2/10

mi 1,852.0 summit 1,855.1

DOWN · Ridge dip

Knee load 4.8

Distance: 0.4 mi
Loss: −130 ft
Loss rate: 290 ft/mi
Steepest: 11.2%
Rockiness: 7.6/10

summit 1,855.1 low 1,855.6

Downhill read: Rolling descent, averaging about 290 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,856.4

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Jackson

~4,052 ft · 341.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.7 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.7

Distance: 0.9 mi
Gain: +350 ft
Gain rate: 410 ft/mi
Steepest: 25.5%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

mi 1,855.6 summit 1,856.4

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.3

Distance: 1.1 mi
Loss: −470 ft
Loss rate: 410 ft/mi
Steepest: 26.4%
Rockiness: 7.3/10

summit 1,856.4 low 1,857.5

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 410 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 1,858.8

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Pierce

~4,291 ft · 339.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.5

Distance: 1.2 mi
Gain: +660 ft
Gain rate: 540 ft/mi
Steepest: 33.8%
Rockiness: 7.4/10

mi 1,857.5 summit 1,858.8

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 6.5

Distance: 0.5 mi
Loss: −230 ft
Loss rate: 410 ft/mi
Steepest: 17.9%
Rockiness: 7.8/10

summit 1,858.8 low 1,859.3

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 410 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,860.3

Mapped summit is about 0.1 mi from the AT

Mount Eisenhower

~4,754 ft · 337.6 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 7.6 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 7.6

Distance: 0.9 mi
Gain: +380 ft
Gain rate: 400 ft/mi
Steepest: 15.1%
Rockiness: 7.3/10

mi 1,859.3 summit 1,860.3

DOWN · Ridge dip

Knee load 4.0

Distance: 0.4 mi
Loss: −70 ft
Loss rate: 170 ft/mi
Steepest: 11.9%
Rockiness: 7.5/10

summit 1,860.3 low 1,860.7

Downhill read: Rolling descent, averaging about 170 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,861.7

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Franklin

~4,974 ft · 336.2 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.5

Distance: 1.0 mi
Gain: +540 ft
Gain rate: 530 ft/mi
Steepest: 29.9%
Rockiness: 7.2/10

mi 1,860.7 summit 1,861.7

DOWN · Ridge dip

Knee load 0.0

Distance: 0.0 mi
Loss: −0 ft
Loss rate: 0 ft/mi
Steepest: 0.0%
Rockiness: 6.6/10

summit 1,861.7 low 1,861.7

Downhill read: No meaningful low point appears before the next listed summit; treat this as a ridge connection.

NOBO 1,862.4

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

Mount Monroe

~5,305 ft · 335.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 7.5 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 7.5

Distance: 0.6 mi
Gain: +200 ft
Gain rate: 320 ft/mi
Steepest: 20.1%
Rockiness: 6.6/10

mi 1,861.7 summit 1,862.4

DOWN · Ridge dip

Knee load 3.9

Distance: 0.6 mi
Loss: −100 ft
Loss rate: 190 ft/mi
Steepest: 10.6%
Rockiness: 7.1/10

summit 1,862.4 low 1,862.9

Downhill read: Rolling descent, averaging about 190 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 1,864.3

Mapped summit is about 0.1 mi from the AT

Mount Washington

~6,289 ft · 333.6 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.6

Distance: 1.4 mi
Gain: +1,110 ft
Gain rate: 800 ft/mi
Steepest: 29.5%
Rockiness: 8.0/10

mi 1,862.9 summit 1,864.3

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.1

Distance: 1.5 mi
Loss: −840 ft
Loss rate: 560 ft/mi
Steepest: 21.9%
Rockiness: 8.1/10

summit 1,864.3 low 1,865.8

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 560 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,865.8

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

Mount Clay

~5,525 ft · 332.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 7.1 Hard

UP · Ridge traverse

Climb demand 2.2

Distance: 0.1 mi
Gain: +0 ft
Gain rate: 0 ft/mi
Steepest: 5.6%
Rockiness: 7.8/10

mi 1,865.8 summit 1,865.8

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.1

Distance: 0.6 mi
Loss: −340 ft
Loss rate: 550 ft/mi
Steepest: 18.6%
Rockiness: 8.4/10

summit 1,865.8 low 1,866.4

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 550 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,867.3

Mapped summit is about 0.2 mi from the AT

Mount Jefferson

~5,659 ft · 330.6 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.6

Distance: 0.8 mi
Gain: +430 ft
Gain rate: 510 ft/mi
Steepest: 23.5%
Rockiness: 8.1/10

mi 1,866.4 summit 1,867.3

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.4

Distance: 2.9 mi
Loss: −1,180 ft
Loss rate: 410 ft/mi
Steepest: 33.0%
Rockiness: 7.9/10

summit 1,867.3 low 1,870.2

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 410 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,870.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Madison

~5,367 ft · 327.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 0.4 mi
Gain: +570 ft
Gain rate: 1,340 ft/mi
Steepest: 39.8%
Rockiness: 9.2/10

mi 1,870.2 summit 1,870.6

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.6

Distance: 7.6 mi
Loss: −4,090 ft
Loss rate: 540 ft/mi
Steepest: 46.9%
Rockiness: 8.1/10

summit 1,870.6 low 1,878.2

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 540 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,882.9

AT crosses the summit or crest

Wildcat Ridge

~4,396 ft · 315.0 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.0 Severe

Sequence: Wildcat E · Wildcat D · Wildcat C · Wildcat B · Wildcat A

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 9.0

Distance: 4.0 mi
Gain: +2,890 ft
Gain rate: 720 ft/mi
Steepest: 55.8%
Rockiness: 9.0/10

mi 1,878.9 summit 1,882.9

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.9

Distance: 0.9 mi
Loss: −1,120 ft
Loss rate: 1,290 ft/mi
Steepest: 34.6%
Rockiness: 9.0/10

summit 1,882.9 low 1,883.7

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 1,290 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,885.0

AT crosses the summit or crest

Carter Dome

~4,826 ft · 312.9 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.8 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 1.3 mi
Gain: +1,530 ft
Gain rate: 1,210 ft/mi
Steepest: 58.3%
Rockiness: 9.0/10

mi 1,883.7 summit 1,885.0

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.3

Distance: 0.6 mi
Loss: −300 ft
Loss rate: 490 ft/mi
Steepest: 20.4%
Rockiness: 9.0/10

summit 1,885.0 low 1,885.6

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 490 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,886.0

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Hight

~4,642 ft · 311.9 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.4 Hard

UP · Ridge traverse

Climb demand 7.1

Distance: 0.4 mi
Gain: +120 ft
Gain rate: 310 ft/mi
Steepest: 12.7%
Rockiness: 9.1/10

mi 1,885.6 summit 1,886.0

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.4

Distance: 0.6 mi
Loss: −770 ft
Loss rate: 1,290 ft/mi
Steepest: 38.4%
Rockiness: 9.1/10

summit 1,886.0 low 1,886.6

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 1,290 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,887.4

AT crosses the summit or crest

South Carter Mountain

~4,409 ft · 310.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.8 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 0.8 mi
Gain: +450 ft
Gain rate: 560 ft/mi
Steepest: 27.3%
Rockiness: 8.9/10

mi 1,886.6 summit 1,887.4

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 6.4

Distance: 0.5 mi
Loss: −200 ft
Loss rate: 430 ft/mi
Steepest: 13.9%
Rockiness: 8.8/10

summit 1,887.4 low 1,887.9

Downhill read: Rolling descent, averaging about 430 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,888.7

AT crosses the summit or crest

Middle Carter Mountain

~4,541 ft · 309.2 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.1 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.1

Distance: 0.9 mi
Gain: +360 ft
Gain rate: 410 ft/mi
Steepest: 20.0%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

mi 1,887.9 summit 1,888.7

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 4.1

Distance: 0.9 mi
Loss: −160 ft
Loss rate: 180 ft/mi
Steepest: 10.9%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

summit 1,888.7 low 1,889.6

Downhill read: Rolling descent, averaging about 180 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,889.8

AT crosses the summit or crest

North Carter Mountain

~4,459 ft · 308.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.3 Severe

UP · Ridge traverse

Climb demand 5.3

Distance: 0.1 mi
Gain: +50 ft
Gain rate: 400 ft/mi
Steepest: 12.0%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

mi 1,889.6 summit 1,889.8

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 9.3

Distance: 2.2 mi
Loss: −1,510 ft
Loss rate: 690 ft/mi
Steepest: 44.0%
Rockiness: 8.3/10

summit 1,889.8 low 1,892.0

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 690 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,893.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Moriah

~4,049 ft · 304.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.7

Distance: 1.6 mi
Gain: +890 ft
Gain rate: 550 ft/mi
Steepest: 25.9%
Rockiness: 8.4/10

mi 1,892.0 summit 1,893.6

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.5

Distance: 6.6 mi
Loss: −3,380 ft
Loss rate: 510 ft/mi
Steepest: 36.3%
Rockiness: 7.4/10

summit 1,893.6 low 1,900.2

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 510 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 1,905.7

AT crosses the summit or crest

Cascade Mountain

~2,605 ft · 292.2 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 5.4 mi
Gain: +2,650 ft
Gain rate: 490 ft/mi
Steepest: 38.7%
Rockiness: 8.3/10

mi 1,900.2 summit 1,905.7

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.2

Distance: 1.3 mi
Loss: −850 ft
Loss rate: 640 ft/mi
Steepest: 43.2%
Rockiness: 7.5/10

summit 1,905.7 low 1,907.0

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 640 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,914.2

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Success

~3,563 ft · 283.7 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 7.3 mi
Gain: +3,230 ft
Gain rate: 450 ft/mi
Steepest: 42.5%
Rockiness: 7.9/10

mi 1,907.0 summit 1,914.2

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.3

Distance: 1.3 mi
Loss: −760 ft
Loss rate: 590 ft/mi
Steepest: 35.1%
Rockiness: 9.0/10

summit 1,914.2 low 1,915.5

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 590 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,916.9

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Carlo

~3,563 ft · 281.0 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 1.4 mi
Gain: +800 ft
Gain rate: 580 ft/mi
Steepest: 27.5%
Rockiness: 8.9/10

mi 1,915.5 summit 1,916.9

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.9

Distance: 0.6 mi
Loss: −440 ft
Loss rate: 690 ft/mi
Steepest: 28.5%
Rockiness: 9.1/10

summit 1,916.9 low 1,917.5

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 690 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,918.2

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

Goose Eye Mountain

~3,714 ft · 279.7 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.7 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 0.7 mi
Gain: +620 ft
Gain rate: 910 ft/mi
Steepest: 28.4%
Rockiness: 9.1/10

mi 1,917.5 summit 1,918.2

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.7

Distance: 5.0 mi
Loss: −2,560 ft
Loss rate: 520 ft/mi
Steepest: 45.7%
Rockiness: 8.5/10

summit 1,918.2 low 1,923.2

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 520 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,924.4

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

Mahoosuc Arm

~3,701 ft · 273.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.0 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 9.0

Distance: 1.3 mi
Gain: +1,640 ft
Gain rate: 1,290 ft/mi
Steepest: 46.1%
Rockiness: 9.8/10

mi 1,923.2 summit 1,924.4

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.0

Distance: 0.7 mi
Loss: −380 ft
Loss rate: 580 ft/mi
Steepest: 33.1%
Rockiness: 9.6/10

summit 1,924.4 low 1,925.1

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 580 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,926.4

Mapped summit is about 0.2 mi from the AT

Old Speck Mountain

~4,144 ft · 271.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 9.0

Distance: 1.3 mi
Gain: +760 ft
Gain rate: 580 ft/mi
Steepest: 38.1%
Rockiness: 9.4/10

mi 1,925.1 summit 1,926.4

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.9

Distance: 3.4 mi
Loss: −2,690 ft
Loss rate: 800 ft/mi
Steepest: 36.9%
Rockiness: 9.6/10

summit 1,926.4 low 1,929.8

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 800 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,933.8

AT crosses the summit or crest

Baldpate Mountain - West and East Peaks

~3,743 ft · 264.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.7 Severe

Sequence: West Peak · East Peak · Little Baldpate Mountain

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 9.0

Distance: 4.0 mi
Gain: +2,670 ft
Gain rate: 660 ft/mi
Steepest: 39.7%
Rockiness: 9.1/10

mi 1,929.8 summit 1,933.8

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.7

Distance: 5.5 mi
Loss: −3,160 ft
Loss rate: 570 ft/mi
Steepest: 47.6%
Rockiness: 8.5/10

summit 1,933.8 low 1,939.4

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 570 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,944.8

AT crosses the summit or crest

Wyman Mountain

~2,923 ft · 253.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.4

Distance: 5.5 mi
Gain: +2,060 ft
Gain rate: 380 ft/mi
Steepest: 23.4%
Rockiness: 6.9/10

mi 1,939.4 summit 1,944.8

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.6

Distance: 2.6 mi
Loss: −2,010 ft
Loss rate: 780 ft/mi
Steepest: 36.9%
Rockiness: 8.0/10

summit 1,944.8 low 1,947.4

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 780 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,948.3

Mapped summit is about 0.1 mi from the AT

Moody Mountain

~2,385 ft · 249.6 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.0 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 9.0

Distance: 0.9 mi
Gain: +1,160 ft
Gain rate: 1,280 ft/mi
Steepest: 46.6%
Rockiness: 10.0/10

mi 1,947.4 summit 1,948.3

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.8

Distance: 1.7 mi
Loss: −1,020 ft
Loss rate: 600 ft/mi
Steepest: 30.2%
Rockiness: 9.2/10

summit 1,948.3 low 1,950.0

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 600 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,952.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Old Blue Mountain

~3,579 ft · 245.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 2.6 mi
Gain: +2,290 ft
Gain rate: 870 ft/mi
Steepest: 45.2%
Rockiness: 9.0/10

mi 1,950.0 summit 1,952.6

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.7

Distance: 1.0 mi
Loss: −620 ft
Loss rate: 600 ft/mi
Steepest: 23.3%
Rockiness: 6.8/10

summit 1,952.6 low 1,953.7

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 600 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 1,956.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Bemis Mountain

~3,560 ft · 241.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.4 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 7.7

Distance: 3.0 mi
Gain: +890 ft
Gain rate: 300 ft/mi
Steepest: 24.2%
Rockiness: 6.2/10

mi 1,953.7 summit 1,956.6

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.4

Distance: 5.6 mi
Loss: −2,570 ft
Loss rate: 460 ft/mi
Steepest: 45.2%
Rockiness: 6.9/10

summit 1,956.6 low 1,962.2

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 460 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 1,963.2

AT crosses the summit or crest

Spruce Mountain

~2,411 ft · 234.7 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.7 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.7

Distance: 1.0 mi
Gain: +900 ft
Gain rate: 880 ft/mi
Steepest: 25.2%
Rockiness: 8.6/10

mi 1,962.2 summit 1,963.2

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 6.1

Distance: 3.2 mi
Loss: −720 ft
Loss rate: 220 ft/mi
Steepest: 28.9%
Rockiness: 5.9/10

summit 1,963.2 low 1,966.5

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 220 ft of loss per mile. Footing is the smaller part of this descent screen.

NOBO 1,982.4

AT crosses the summit or crest

Saddleback Mountain

~4,039 ft · 215.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.5

Distance: 5.9 mi
Gain: +2,670 ft
Gain rate: 450 ft/mi
Steepest: 31.2%
Rockiness: 7.2/10

mi 1,976.5 summit 1,982.4

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.0

Distance: 1.0 mi
Loss: −590 ft
Loss rate: 600 ft/mi
Steepest: 25.4%
Rockiness: 8.6/10

summit 1,982.4 low 1,983.4

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 600 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,984.1

AT crosses the summit or crest

The Horn

~3,947 ft · 213.8 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.7 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.7

Distance: 0.8 mi
Gain: +480 ft
Gain rate: 630 ft/mi
Steepest: 24.2%
Rockiness: 8.4/10

mi 1,983.4 summit 1,984.1

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 8.5

Distance: 1.2 mi
Loss: −1,020 ft
Loss rate: 840 ft/mi
Steepest: 37.6%
Rockiness: 7.9/10

summit 1,984.1 low 1,985.4

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 840 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,986.2

AT crosses the summit or crest

Saddleback Junior

~3,635 ft · 211.7 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.6

Distance: 0.8 mi
Gain: +610 ft
Gain rate: 740 ft/mi
Steepest: 38.8%
Rockiness: 8.2/10

mi 1,985.4 summit 1,986.2

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.6

Distance: 4.3 mi
Loss: −2,420 ft
Loss rate: 570 ft/mi
Steepest: 34.7%
Rockiness: 7.9/10

summit 1,986.2 low 1,990.5

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 570 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 1,993.8

AT crosses the summit or crest

Lone Mountain

~3,199 ft · 204.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.6

Distance: 3.4 mi
Gain: +1,760 ft
Gain rate: 520 ft/mi
Steepest: 26.8%
Rockiness: 7.8/10

mi 1,990.5 summit 1,993.8

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 4.1

Distance: 1.9 mi
Loss: −340 ft
Loss rate: 180 ft/mi
Steepest: 12.2%
Rockiness: 5.9/10

summit 1,993.8 low 1,995.7

Downhill read: Rolling descent, averaging about 180 ft of loss per mile. Footing is the smaller part of this descent screen.

NOBO 1,997.1

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

Spaulding Mountain

~3,999 ft · 200.8 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.4 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.2

Distance: 1.4 mi
Gain: +810 ft
Gain rate: 580 ft/mi
Steepest: 23.4%
Rockiness: 6.2/10

mi 1,995.7 summit 1,997.1

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.4

Distance: 4.5 mi
Loss: −2,100 ft
Loss rate: 470 ft/mi
Steepest: 50.4%
Rockiness: 6.9/10

summit 1,997.1 low 2,001.6

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 470 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,004.0

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

South Crocker Mountain

~4,029 ft · 193.9 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.7 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.7

Distance: 2.4 mi
Gain: +1,830 ft
Gain rate: 780 ft/mi
Steepest: 46.1%
Rockiness: 8.6/10

mi 2,001.6 summit 2,004.0

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.9

Distance: 0.4 mi
Loss: −350 ft
Loss rate: 960 ft/mi
Steepest: 25.7%
Rockiness: 9.5/10

summit 2,004.0 low 2,004.3

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 960 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,005.0

AT crosses the summit or crest

Crocker Mountain

~4,196 ft · 192.9 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 0.7 mi
Gain: +540 ft
Gain rate: 800 ft/mi
Steepest: 23.3%
Rockiness: 9.3/10

mi 2,004.3 summit 2,005.0

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.5

Distance: 6.3 mi
Loss: −3,130 ft
Loss rate: 490 ft/mi
Steepest: 26.5%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

summit 2,005.0 low 2,011.4

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 490 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,015.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Bigelow Range - The Horns

~3,802 ft · 182.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.8 Severe

Sequence: South Horn · North Horn

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 4.2 mi
Gain: +2,860 ft
Gain rate: 680 ft/mi
Steepest: 42.7%
Rockiness: 8.4/10

mi 2,011.4 summit 2,015.6

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.6

Distance: 0.9 mi
Loss: −500 ft
Loss rate: 550 ft/mi
Steepest: 30.6%
Rockiness: 7.2/10

summit 2,015.6 low 2,016.5

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 550 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,017.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Mount Bigelow - West Peak

~4,026 ft · 180.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.8 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 1.1 mi
Gain: +880 ft
Gain rate: 840 ft/mi
Steepest: 38.7%
Rockiness: 8.8/10

mi 2,016.5 summit 2,017.6

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.8

Distance: 0.3 mi
Loss: −300 ft
Loss rate: 1,030 ft/mi
Steepest: 34.5%
Rockiness: 9.4/10

summit 2,017.6 low 2,017.9

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 1,030 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,018.2

AT crosses the summit or crest

Avery Peak

~4,049 ft · 179.7 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.9 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.9

Distance: 0.3 mi
Gain: +270 ft
Gain rate: 790 ft/mi
Steepest: 24.9%
Rockiness: 9.6/10

mi 2,017.9 summit 2,018.2

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.9

Distance: 1.8 mi
Loss: −1,820 ft
Loss rate: 1,030 ft/mi
Steepest: 30.1%
Rockiness: 9.3/10

summit 2,018.2 low 2,020.0

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 1,030 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,021.9

AT crosses the summit or crest

Little Bigelow Mountain

~2,992 ft · 176.0 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.4 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.5

Distance: 1.9 mi
Gain: +840 ft
Gain rate: 430 ft/mi
Steepest: 38.9%
Rockiness: 7.2/10

mi 2,020.0 summit 2,021.9

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.4

Distance: 4.7 mi
Loss: −2,070 ft
Loss rate: 440 ft/mi
Steepest: 28.6%
Rockiness: 7.0/10

summit 2,021.9 low 2,026.6

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 440 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,052.4

AT crosses the summit or crest

Pleasant Pond Mountain

~2,448 ft · 145.5 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.0 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 7.8

Distance: 7.1 mi
Gain: +2,330 ft
Gain rate: 330 ft/mi
Steepest: 33.1%
Rockiness: 4.9/10

mi 2,045.3 summit 2,052.4

DOWN · Long NOBO descent

Knee load 9.0

Distance: 4.4 mi
Loss: −1,790 ft
Loss rate: 400 ft/mi
Steepest: 26.5%
Rockiness: 6.8/10

summit 2,052.4 low 2,056.8

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 400 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,061.1

AT crosses the summit or crest

Bald Mountain

136.8 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.2 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.2

Distance: 4.3 mi
Gain: +1,770 ft
Gain rate: 420 ft/mi
Steepest: 31.9%
Rockiness: 5.6/10

mi 2,056.8 summit 2,061.1

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 7.6

Distance: 8.0 mi
Loss: −2,070 ft
Loss rate: 260 ft/mi
Steepest: 30.9%
Rockiness: 4.5/10

summit 2,061.1 low 2,069.1

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 260 ft of loss per mile. Footing is the smaller part of this descent screen.

NOBO 2,098.8

AT crosses the summit or crest

Barren Mountain

~2,434 ft · 99.1 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.4 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.4

Distance: 4.7 mi
Gain: +2,190 ft
Gain rate: 470 ft/mi
Steepest: 34.7%
Rockiness: 6.8/10

mi 2,094.1 summit 2,098.8

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.0

Distance: 2.4 mi
Loss: −800 ft
Loss rate: 330 ft/mi
Steepest: 37.5%
Rockiness: 6.2/10

summit 2,098.8 low 2,101.2

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 330 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,102.1

AT crosses the summit or crest

Fourth Mountain

~2,343 ft · 95.8 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.6 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.6

Distance: 0.9 mi
Gain: +490 ft
Gain rate: 540 ft/mi
Steepest: 32.4%
Rockiness: 7.6/10

mi 2,101.2 summit 2,102.1

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.9

Distance: 0.6 mi
Loss: −580 ft
Loss rate: 950 ft/mi
Steepest: 30.0%
Rockiness: 8.0/10

summit 2,102.1 low 2,102.7

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 950 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,104.0

AT crosses the summit or crest

Third Mountain

~2,001 ft · 93.9 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.4 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.4

Distance: 1.3 mi
Gain: +490 ft
Gain rate: 370 ft/mi
Steepest: 23.6%
Rockiness: 6.5/10

mi 2,102.7 summit 2,104.0

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 6.8

Distance: 0.9 mi
Loss: −340 ft
Loss rate: 380 ft/mi
Steepest: 26.5%
Rockiness: 6.6/10

summit 2,104.0 low 2,104.9

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 380 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,105.9

AT closely skirts the mapped summit

Columbus Mountain

~2,320 ft · 92.0 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.5

Distance: 1.0 mi
Gain: +560 ft
Gain rate: 570 ft/mi
Steepest: 25.5%
Rockiness: 7.6/10

mi 2,104.9 summit 2,105.9

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 7.0

Distance: 0.8 mi
Loss: −390 ft
Loss rate: 470 ft/mi
Steepest: 18.9%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

summit 2,105.9 low 2,106.7

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 470 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,107.2

AT crosses the summit or crest

Chairback Mountain

~2,190 ft · 90.7 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.0

Distance: 0.5 mi
Gain: +250 ft
Gain rate: 530 ft/mi
Steepest: 18.6%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

mi 2,106.7 summit 2,107.2

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.5

Distance: 4.2 mi
Loss: −1,890 ft
Loss rate: 450 ft/mi
Steepest: 41.7%
Rockiness: 7.5/10

summit 2,107.2 low 2,111.4

Downhill read: Very steep downhill pitches, averaging about 450 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,118.0

AT crosses the summit or crest

Gulf Hagas Mountain

~2,671 ft · 79.9 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 7.7 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 7.7

Distance: 6.6 mi
Gain: +2,120 ft
Gain rate: 320 ft/mi
Steepest: 43.3%
Rockiness: 5.4/10

mi 2,111.4 summit 2,118.0

DOWN · NOBO descent

Knee load 6.4

Distance: 0.9 mi
Loss: −310 ft
Loss rate: 330 ft/mi
Steepest: 19.9%
Rockiness: 8.3/10

summit 2,118.0 low 2,118.9

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 330 ft of loss per mile. Very rocky footing keeps the knees loaded and the pace deliberate.

NOBO 2,122.9

AT crosses the summit or crest

White Cap Mountain

~3,638 ft · 75.0 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 9.4 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.8

Distance: 4.0 mi
Gain: +1,890 ft
Gain rate: 470 ft/mi
Steepest: 34.8%
Rockiness: 7.6/10

mi 2,118.9 summit 2,122.9

DOWN · Major NOBO descent

Knee load 9.4

Distance: 5.4 mi
Loss: −2,490 ft
Loss rate: 460 ft/mi
Steepest: 28.4%
Rockiness: 7.1/10

summit 2,122.9 low 2,128.4

Downhill read: Steep downhill pitches, averaging about 460 ft of loss per mile. Rocky footing adds braking and careful step placement.

NOBO 2,131.6

AT crosses the summit or crest

Little Boardman Mountain

~1,998 ft · 66.3 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 7.6 Hard

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 7.6

Distance: 3.2 mi
Gain: +990 ft
Gain rate: 310 ft/mi
Steepest: 28.3%
Rockiness: 5.5/10

mi 2,128.4 summit 2,131.6

DOWN · Long NOBO descent

Knee load 6.0

Distance: 7.7 mi
Loss: −1,480 ft
Loss rate: 190 ft/mi
Steepest: 16.9%
Rockiness: 4.3/10

summit 2,131.6 low 2,139.3

Downhill read: Sustained downhill, averaging about 190 ft of loss per mile. Footing is the smaller part of this descent screen.

NOBO 2,197.9

AT crosses the summit or crest

Baxter Peak - Katahdin

~5,266 ft · 0.0 mi to Katahdin

Overall terrain 8.5 Severe

UP · NOBO climb

Climb demand 8.5

Distance: 5.6 mi
Gain: +4,250 ft
Gain rate: 750 ft/mi
Steepest: 52.2%
Rockiness: 7.7/10

mi 2,192.3 summit 2,197.9

DOWN · Finish summit

Knee load 0.0

Distance: 0.0 mi
Loss: −0 ft
Loss rate: 0 ft/mi
Steepest: 0.0%
Rockiness: 0.0/10

No post-summit segment scored.

Downhill read: The official AT and this calibrated dataset end at Baxter Peak. The required trip back down Katahdin is real, but it is outside this guide and is not scored here.

Methodology

What “down” means here.

NOBO descent from each listed summit to the lowest calibrated elevation point before the next listed mountain, capped at an 8-mile lookahead.

The 1-10 knee-load screen combines downhill feet per mile (30%), cumulative loss (25%), steepest descending grade (25%), and descent rockiness (20%).

Overall terrain demand is the higher of the existing climb difficulty and the knee-load screen, so a consequential descent is never averaged away.

Important: Terrain planning screen only, not medical guidance. Weather, wet rock, fatigue, pack weight, poles, pace, daylight, closures, and current trail conditions can materially change downhill strain.