Mahoosuc Notch

Mahoosuc Notch
Elevation	750 m (2,461 ft)
Traversed by	Appalachian Trail
Location
Location	Oxford County, Maine,  United States
Range	Mahoosuc Range
Coordinates	44°32.29′N 70°59.36′W / 44.53817°N 70.98933°W / 44.53817; -70.98933
Topo map	USGS Old Speck Mountain

Mahoosuc Notch is a deep gap in the Mahoosuc Range of western Maine, traversed by the Appalachian Trail. The boulders on this mile-long section of trail present obstacles that must be climbed over and sometimes under, creating a unique hiking experience. There are occasional ten-foot drops, and places where packs must be removed to squeeze beneath a boulder.

Many thru-hikers call this stretch one of the slowest on the 2,179-mile (3,507 km) trail. This so-called "killer mile" or the "Toughest Mile" is a very tough section that can cause even the most experienced hikers to slow down. There are good spots to pitch a tent on both sides of the Notch. On the South end they are right next to the trail junction. On the Northern side, spots are a few hundred yards down along the brook.

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  The beginning of the "killer mile" from the south.

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  Rugged terrain of the trail.

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  Some of the boulders that thru-hikers must pass under.

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  Pockets of ice can be found under the boulders even in the heat of July.