Hike213 –Carlo Col Shelter To Speck Pond Shelter At Appalachian Trail ME Section Seven [VSV5jDWqMxF]

Distance: 9.8 miles (15.77 km)

Elevation Gain: 3,5004,500 ft

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Point-to-point (northbound on the Appalachian Trail)

Estimated Time: 710 hours

This rugged stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Maines Mahoosuc Range is a full-body adventureshort on miles, long on grit. Starting at the cozy Carlo Col Shelter (2,970 jessica alba ft), hikers climb steeply toward Goose Eye Mountain, traverse alpine bogs and ridgelines, and tackle the legendary Mahoosuc Notch before ascending the formidable Mahoosuc Arm to reach Speck Pond Shelter (3,419 ft)the highest shelter on the AT in Maine.

Key Highlights Along the Route

Carlo Col Shelter 2,970 ft Double-decker lean-to with tent platforms, stream, privy, and bear box.

Mount Carlo View 3,427 ft Clearing with views of Goose Eyes twin peaks.

Alpine Bog 3,544 ft Open bog with views of Goose Eye and White Mountains.

Goose Eye West Peak 3,804 ft Highest point on Goose Eye; reached via short spur.

Goose Eye East Peak 3,790 ft Flat slab summit with panoramic mario venditti views.

Goose Eye North Peak 3,675 ft | Least prominent, but still scenic with alpine vegetation.

Full Goose Shelter 2,941 ft Lean-to with spring, tent platforms, privy, and bear box.

Mahoosuc Notch 2,3012,476 ft Boulder-filled funhouse of the ATexpect crawling, climbing, and ice in summer.

Mahoosuc Arm 3,765 ft Steep climb with ledges and sweeping views.

Speck Pond 3,400 ft Chilly alpine pond popular for trout fishing and swimming.

Speck Pond Shelter 3,419 ft Rebuilt shelter with tent platforms and bear box; highest shelter on the AT in Maine.

Trail Tips & Logistics

- Start Access: Carlo Col Trail via Success Pond Road (rough road; high-clearance vehicle recommended).

- Water Sources: Streams, springs, and Shelter Brookalways filter.

- Camping: No reservations; follow AMC caretaker guidance.

- Navigation: White blazes; paint marks in Mahoosuc Notch.

- Wildlife: Moose, black bears, spruce grousehang your food!

What to Pack

- Trekking poles (stash for the Notch)

- Microspikes and gloves (shoulder seasons)

- 23L water capacity, hearty snacks

- Map/app (FarOut, GAIA), headlamp, rain shell

- First-aid kit, power bank

Trail Character

Expect steep climbs, alpine bogs, slabby summits, and one of the most iconic obstacle courses on the AT. The Mahoosuc Notch is yankees vs brewers equal parts playground and punishment, while the Arm tests your endurance with a relentless ascent. But the payoffSpeck Ponds serenity and Old Specks looming presenceis worth every step.

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