The final miles of the Appalachian Trail weave through a wild landscape flush with the diversity of northern Maine. Here, along the longest stretch of trail that doesn't cross a paved road, intrepid hikers can visit sluicing rivers, sheening lakes, monster trees, and airy viewpoints. Two nearby mountains await as well, surveying the entire region. But be aware: Dirt logging roads are the veins of access here and you’ll need a good map. AMC’s new Southern Piscataquis Regional Recreation Map and Guide is the most up-to-date.

Borestone Mountain: The rocky nub of 1,947-foot Borestone Mountain cradles two mountain ponds below its summit, and provides expansive views of the southern 100-Mile Wilderness region. Looking north from the open mountaintop, you can trace the AT's route through Wilson Valley and along the east-west spine of the Barren-Chairback Range. The calls of loons waft up from Lake Onawa, visible in its entirety below. Protected by the Audubon Society since 1958, the mature forest of this 1,639-acre sanctuary has not been touched by saw or ax for more than a century.

Distance: 5 miles round-trip

Directions: From Route 15 in Monson, follow Elliotville Road 7.7 miles to the Big Wilson Stream Bridge, turn left, and proceed 0.8 mile. $4 per person entry fee; 207-631-4050. 

Big Spencer Mountain: Cutting above surrounding terrain like the blade of an ax, the long ridge of 3,230-foot Big Spencer Mountain once hosted an actively-manned fire tower on its eastern prow. Abandoned for more than a decade, the lookout today rattles with lingering panes of glass and is accessible for those brave enough to clamber up the rusting ladder. Views stretch from Katahdin to Moosehead Lake and encompass virtually the entire 100-Mile Wilderness region. Halfway up the trail, the derelict fire warden's cabin sits open, strewn with old paper records and furniture. 

Distance: 4 miles round-trip

Directions: From Kokadjo take Sias Hill Road 7.8 miles and turn left on the unsigned road. Proceed straight 5.1 miles. Go left at the fork for 0.9 mile; watch for the mailbox.

Gulf Hagas and the Hermitage: The West Branch of the Pleasant River fissures the Earth, racing for two tumultuous miles beneath the slate cliffs of Gulf Hagas. The hike begins on the AT and immediately fords the river (usually shin-deep) to tour the Hermitage, a 35-acre grove of old-growth white pines. The route then leaves the AT and follows the Rim Trail along the canyon's edge, often peering over the lip at foaming cascades and deep pools. Return via the easy-walking Pleasant River Road Trail, or continue two miles to connect with AMC's Little Lyford Pond Camps.

Distance: 8.0 miles round-trip

Directions: Take Route 11 north 4 miles from Brownville Junction. Turn left on Katahdin Iron Works Road and proceed 13.6 miles. There is a $9 per person access fee.

Monument Ledge: Large big-tooth aspens blanket the mountainside, fluttering overhead in a constant whisper. Curving up the flanks of Chairback Mountain, the AT begins in a nearly pure aspen forest, then visits the placid shores of East Chairback Pond en route to the open summit and panoramic views of 2,180-foot Chairback Mountain. The AT then heads past Chairback Gap Lean-to on its way to the bare rocks of Monument Ledge atop 2,069-foot Third Mountain, where views north encompass most of AMC's 37,000-acre Katahdin Iron Works property.

Distance: 12.4 miles round-trip

Directions: Follow directions to Gulf Hagas (above) and continue 0.3 mile to a small parking area on the left. You can also connect from the Gulf Hagas trailhead.

Little Boardman Mountain: Sugar maples grow thick and massive on the slopes of 2,024-foot Little Boardman Mountain. Dozens of century-old trees rise overhead, twisting upward in fantastic forms. Fern-shrouded boulders punctuate a lush understory of unusual plant diversity. In autumn, hikers walk through a cathedral of color as they climb to a summit clearing offering views southwest of 3,644-foot White Cap Mountain, the tallest peak in the 100-Mile Wilderness. Access to the trailhead can be time-consuming, but the reward is one of the AT's all-time best spots for fall foliage.

Distance: 2.8 miles round-trip

Directions: From Route 11, follow Jo-Mary Road to Johnston Pond Road, turn left, and proceed to Crawford Pond. Watch for the unposted trailhead just before the pond.

Crescent Pond, Rainbow Stream: Deep within the northern tier of the 100-Mile Wilderness, the state of Maine owns the 43,000-acre Nahmakanta Lake Public Reserve Land. Along the AT, near the western end of the property's namesake lake, lie two adjacent outdoor jewels. From the trailhead, head south to traverse above a deep gorge where stupendous white pines stand sentinel over a virgin forest of spruce and fir. Kidney-shaped Crescent Pond awaits just beyond for a rejuvenating swim. Or head north for a night at Rainbow Stream Lean-to, paralleling the rushing cataracts of Rainbow Stream as they roar down in nearly two miles of continuous rapids.

Distance: Crescent Pond, 2.8 miles round-trip; Rainbow Stream, 4.8 miles round-trip

Directions: From Route 11, take Jo-Mary Road for 25 miles to the west end of Nahmakanta Lake.

Katahdin: The Knife Edge: During the last Ice Age, glaciers buried the summits of every mountain in New England - except Katahdin. Here the ice scoured only the mountain slopes, eating away the massif from all sides to create a precipitous, razor-sharp ridge: the Knife Edge. A hike across this 1.1-mile arete is an adrenaline-pumping adventure unlike any other in New England, and one that should be on everybody's life list. From Chimney Pond, the recommended (and very strenuous) route ascends the Saddle Trail to Baxter Peak - the terminus of the AT - and then heads out across the Knife Edge. Return via the Dudley Trail.

Distance: 11.2 miles round-trip

Directions: From the park entrance at Togue Pond Gate, proceed 8.1 miles to the Roaring Brook trailhead. $12 per vihicle entrance fee. For more info, check out the Maine Mountain Guide (AMC Books).