The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) was built in Maine in the 1930s. While the footpath is continuous, the existing trail corridor, with an average width of 1,000 feet, provides relatively little protection. Unlike the other states the A.T. traverses, the footpath of the A.T. in Maine travels mostly through private land, much of it unprotected from development.
The potential of the A.T. to advance a conservation strategy by connecting a network of protected preserves represents a huge opportunity to advance conservation planning in Maine on a statewide basis. It also provides exceptional opportunities for surrounding communities to capitalize on this outstanding resource.
The A.T. in Maine
The A.T. in Maine traverses a rich and diverse landscape with grand vistas and is widely recognized as one of its wildest and most spectacular sections. The A.T. travels 281 miles across the state from the summit of Mount Katahdin southwesterly to the Maine-New Hampshire border. The trail lands encompass varied ecosystems from sub-alpine forests and alpine plant communities to large tracts of northern hardwood and spruce-fir forests to extensive wetlands and important aquatic environments.
100-Mile Wilderness
The fabled 100-Mile Wilderness portion of the A.T. is the longest stretch of uninterrupted wilderness on the entire route. This narrow protected corridor winds through deep wild forests, over jagged peaks with spectacular views, and around pristine lakes and remote ponds. It hosts some of the highest concentrations of rare plants and animals, outstanding wild fisheries, old-growth and mature forest stands, and undeveloped ponds in Maine. We must link existing public lands with unprotected areas to expand habitat, guarantee public access, create new opportunities for wilderness recreation, and allow forests to return to a mature and natural state.
MATLT participates in collaborative efforts by the State of Maine, private individuals, and other environmental organizations to protect the wilderness values in this region, concentrating its efforts on the land one mile on either side of the trail corridor.
.png)