Of course there are multiple summits on Mount Katahdin but a photo with the Baxter Peak sign is a must. Coming down the Hamlin Ridge Trail was technical and slow going but well worth it for Karen Beaudoin and Margo Batchelder. Soon after, with a hike up North Brother Mountain, the couple completed its quest: reaching the summit of all 14 of Maine's 4,000-plus-foot mountains.

AT thru hikers must travel across the Bigelows to get to the end of the trail. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin

Beautiful views on the way to Bigelow West and Bigelow Avery peaks. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin

Mount Katahdin from Daicey Pond Campground in Baxter State Park on the evening before out hike. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin

Sitting atop Hamlin Peak with Baxter Peak and the Knifes Edge in the background. Dark clouds rolled over the two summits but on this day hikers stayed dry. Photo by Margo Batchelder

Piazza Rock on the Appalachian Trail heading toward Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin

On our second trip to Rangeley we headed up the ski trail to get Saddleback Horn. It was straight up, but hurt more on the way straight down. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin

The view from the top of South Crocker Mountain. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin

The Hamlin Ridge Trail was technical and slow going but well worth it. The ridge divides the two basins: to the right was Chimney Pond and far down to the left was flat terrain where a couple black bears wandered. Staff photo by Karen Beaudoin