Majestic mile-high Katahdin dominates the landscape of north-central Maine, its rocky prominence towering over the vast wild country of deep green woods and crystal clear waters. A climb to the alpine heights of “K’taadn,” Maine’s  “Greatest Mountain,” to view the incomparable 360-degree panorama is a worthy objective for any hiker’s bucket list. 

You’ve seen Katahdin from afar, perhaps from Togue Pond or Abol Bridge or maybe the scenic overlook on I-95 in Sherman. And have thought about maybe one day climbing the mountain, but figured you’re not in shape for such an adventure. Then you hear from a friend who’s got a camping reservation at Katahdin Stream in September and you’re invited. 

The clock is ticking and you’ve got to get ready for the big Katahdin climb, but you don’t know where to start. Not to worry. You’ve got all summer to go from the couch to Katahdin, but it’ll take a little discipline and some regular hiking to improve your physical fitness, which will increase your safety measure and maximize enjoyment of your day on the peak. 

To train for tackling lofty Katahdin you’ll want to start small — a local hill, for example — and slowly but surely work your way up to higher mountains, longer miles and larger elevation gains. This progressive approach offers a greater chance of success while reducing the possibility of injury and burnout. Besides, hiking should be fun, not work. 

Here’s a suggested list of mountains that’ll take you on a hiking journey from nearly sea level to the highest point in Maine between now and autumn (feel free to create your own lineup).

Bradbury Mountain

This diminutive peak in Pownal, though just 488 feet high, is perhaps the most climbed mountain in Maine, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. Bradbury is a great place to start your quest, with woods chock full of stone walls, mature trees, lots of history, and at the huge summit outcrop, fine views south to Casco Bay and the Portland skyline. Follow the Northern Loop Trail to the top, then descend via the Summit Trail (1.4 miles total with 225 feet of elevation gain). Feeling up for more? Miles of trails wind through Bradbury Mountain State Park’s 800 acres, so have at it. 

Bauneg Beg Mountain

The 98-acre Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area North in North Berwick, conserved by the Great Works Regional Land Trust, encompasses the Middle Peak (864 feet) and North Peak (828 feet) of Bauneg Beg Mountain. Bauneg Beg Trail, Ginny’s Way, Linny’s Way and the North Peak Loop (1.8 miles, 360 feet elevation gain) lead to rocks of the Devil’s Den as well as the summit ledges, where views northwest to Mt. Washington are possible. Add to your adventure with a visit to neighboring Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area South, which just opened to hikers last year. 

Great Pond Mountain

The namesake of the 5,000-acre Wildlands of the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust in Orland and Bucksport features a sea of granite bedrock, extraordinary mountain cliffs and far-reaching views of Acadia’s summits, Blue Hill Mountain, Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills. Follow the Stuart Gross Trail and Mountain Trail to the 1,001-foot peak, a round-trip saunter of 3.2 miles with 680 feet of ascent. Surprise, surprise, just below the top there’s a viewpoint where on a clear day you can see as far north as Katahdin in Baxter State Park some 80 miles distant. 

Round Top Mountain

At 6,800 acres, the Kennebec Highlands, located 15 miles north of Augusta, constitute the largest contiguous block of conservation land in central Maine, including the highest mountains in Kennebec County. The 7 Lakes Alliance and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands are partners in this project. Round Top Mountain (1,137 feet) is a beauty of a walk that offers excellent views over Long Pond and Great Pond, the village of Belgrade Lakes and the surrounding hills and dales. The Round Top Trail and the Round Top Spur Trail will lead you to the summit on a 3.9-mile loop with 740 feet of climbing. 

Cadillac Mountain

Head to Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island to tackle this Cadillac of coastal mountains, which at 1,529 feet is the highest point along the Atlantic Seaboard between Labrador and Brazil. Hike the South Ridge Trail to the summit and back for a round-trip journey of 5.6 miles and 1,450 of elevation gain. Beyond Eagle Crag and the Featherbed, you’ll be walking over the wide-open ridgeline of pink Cadillac Mountain granite while enjoying wonderful mountain, island, bay and ocean vistas. A cold soda and ice cream at the summit gift shop is your refreshing reward for the climbing effort. 

Mt. Zircon

At 2,240 feet, Mt. Zircon in Milton and Peru is the highest in the Oxford Hills, which sprawl far and wide across the southern reaches of Oxford County. The panorama from the summit ledges is one of the best in western Maine for the moderate hike required. An old wagon road leads to the spring house and gushing spring pipe of the former Mt. Zircon Spring Water Co. Beyond, at the height-of-land, you’ll turn onto the Mt. Zircon Trail for the final leg. The healthy 5.8-mile round-trip jaunt gains 1,650 feet of elevation. 

Caribou Mountain

This 2,844-foot mountain rises in the White Mountain National Forest near Evans Notch. Caribou has all the elements of a perfect day hike: two clear and cold streams, a pretty waterfall with a swimming hole, extensive open ledges and incredible summit views, all reached via a pleasant loop hike of 6.9 miles (combination of the Caribou Trail and Mud Brook Trail) with 1,950 feet of ascent. The nearly 360-degree summit panorama takes in the Mahoosuc, Carter-Moriah and Presidential ranges, the nearby jumble of peaks and valleys, and much of the Caribou−Speckled Mountain Wilderness. 

Little Jackson Mountain

Topping out at 3,454 feet, Little Jackson is the mountainous heart of the Tumbledown Public Lands unit, a vast 22,000-acre swath of state-owned conservation property in the unorganized territory known as Township 6 North of Weld. The 360-degree panorama from the alpine-like summit is one of Maine’s finest, capturing many of the region’s highest peaks plus nearby Tumbledown, Tumbledown Pond, Webb Lake, Mt. Blue and Big Jackson. The route follows the Little Jackson Connector and Little Jackson Mountain Trail, a 7.4-mile round-trip hike with 2,500 feet of well-earned elevation gain. 

Old Speck

The first 4,000-footer on your to-do list, this outstanding hike follows the famed Appalachian Trail to the wooded 4,188-foot apex of Old Speck, Maine’s fifth highest peak. On the way are great views of the 800-foot cliff face known as the Eyebrow, the enormous slabs high on Old Speck’s steep flanks and the classic U-shaped, glacially-carved Grafton Notch. Scale the observation tower on top for a grand look at all this plus Baldpate Mountain and Table Rock to the east and the Mahoosucs, Mahoosuc Notch and the Whites to the west. Your round-trip trek covers 7.6 miles and gains 2,700 feet. 

Katahdin

Every trail up to Baxter Peak, the lofty summit of mile-high Katahdin, is long and arduous. Your planned hike via the Hunt Trail, the white-blazed final stretch of the 2,200-mile AT, will certainly test your mettle, but the highly rewarding route is worth the sweaty effort. Round-trip you’ll cover 9.8 miles and scramble your way up 4,168 feet. Allow 8 to 12 hours. Remember the old climber’s adage, though, that getting to the top is optional, but returning safely to the trailhead is mandatory. There’s no hike anywhere quite like Katahdin, so enjoy every step of the great adventure, take lots of photos and have tons of fun!

Congratulations! What a great accomplishment. You’ve covered a lot of ground across Maine, seen a host of beautiful places, enjoyed some tremendous views, shared quality time with family and friends and have had a heckuva lot of fun. Your arms are tanned, your legs are tough, your shoes are worn and your pack is dirty. You’ve lost a few pounds and there’s a big smile on your happy face. And along the way you’ve tackled 10 mountains, hiked over 53 miles and climbed nearly 16,500 feet (and probably more). Hiking is a regular thing for you now, and Katahdin just might be on your to-do list every summer.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is a Triple Crown hiker, author of three hiking guides, including The Maine Mountain Guide, and veteran of more than 50 Katahdin ascents. Connect with Carey on Facebook and Instagram.