Mahoosuc Notch is a deep gap in the Mahoosuc Range of western Maine

Maine

Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...

, traversed by the Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately long...

. 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 2179 miles (3,506.8 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.