Hiking Caribou Mountain: A Quiet White Mountains Loop in Western Maine
Caribou Mountain sits on the far northeastern edge of the White Mountains, tucked into a quiet corner of Maine where the ridges roll gently and the crowds thin out. It’s one of those peaks you might overlook on a map, but once you hike it, you wonder why more people aren’t wandering these trails. The woods are calm, the grades are steady, and the summit ridge gives up wide views that easily rival more famous mountains to the south.
The Caribou–Mud Brook Loop is the classic way to explore the mountain—a 7-mile lollipop that offers a bit of everything: rushing streams, hardwood forest, a few rocky scrambles, and long stretches of open ledge. It’s the sort of hike that rewards an unhurried pace and a willingness to stop and look around.
The loop begins and ends at the same spot along Route 113 in Chatham, with the two trails only a few feet apart. Most hikers prefer a clockwise loop: up the Caribou Trail, down the Mud Brook Trail, and back to the start.
🥾 Distance: ~7 miles (loop)
📈 Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
🗺️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
Within minutes you reach Morrison Brook, where the trail dips to the water, crosses, and then begins following the brook upstream. This is a lovely stretch—cool, mossy, and filled with the kind of subtle soundscape that only a mountain stream can provide.
The trail climbs steadily but reasonably for the next couple of miles until it reaches Kees Falls, where the brook tumbles down a vertical wall of ledge before continuing its run into the gorge below. It’s a fine place to pause before the terrain begins to steepen.
Beyond the falls, the trail grows rockier and more rugged as it works its way toward the notch between Gammon Mountain and Caribou. Just before reaching the height of land, the woods tighten into spruce and fir, giving that familiar White Mountains scent that always seems to signal you’re nearing something good.
At the junction in the notch, the Caribou Trail continues off toward Bog Road, while a faint path leads toward Gammon’s summit. For the loop, turn left and begin climbing Caribou on the Mud Brook Trail.
A final push brings you onto Caribou’s broad, open summit ledges. On a clear day, the panorama is impressive: the Mahoosucs to the north, the rolling ridges of western Maine in every direction, and the Presidential Range rising far off to the southwest. It’s the kind of summit that encourages you to linger.
From the top, the trail continues across a series of ledgy viewpoints where the trees fall away and the surrounding hills seem to stretch on forever. Each open slab offers a slightly different perspective, and all feel nicely removed from the busier peaks down south.
Once past the last major lookout, the trail begins a gradual descent toward the notch between Caribou and Haystack. The footing eases, the rocks fade, and soon you’re following the pleasant banks of Mud Brook through a quieter, softer stretch of forest.
Just before the trailhead, the Mud Brook Trail leaves the brook and swings back toward the parking area, completing the loop.
It’s the kind of hike that seems to fly under the radar, which is probably part of its charm. If you like the feel of the northern Whites but want a day with more solitude, Caribou is an excellent choice.
The Caribou–Mud Brook Loop is the classic way to explore the mountain—a 7-mile lollipop that offers a bit of everything: rushing streams, hardwood forest, a few rocky scrambles, and long stretches of open ledge. It’s the sort of hike that rewards an unhurried pace and a willingness to stop and look around.
Trailhead Notes & the Route 113 Seasonal Closure
If you’re planning this one, it’s worth mentioning right up front that Route 113 through Evans Notch is a seasonal road. It closes for winter and doesn’t reopen until late spring, which puts the trailhead well out of reach for much of the cold season unless you’re ready to ski or snowshoe several miles just to start the hike. From late May through late October, though, you can drive right to the Caribou–Mud Brook Trailhead.The loop begins and ends at the same spot along Route 113 in Chatham, with the two trails only a few feet apart. Most hikers prefer a clockwise loop: up the Caribou Trail, down the Mud Brook Trail, and back to the start.
🧠Trailhead: Caribou West / Mud Brook Trailhead, Route 113, Chatham, ME (Google Maps)
🗺️ Route: Trailhead → Caribou Trail → Mud Brook Trail → Trailhead🥾 Distance: ~7 miles (loop)
📈 Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
🗺️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
Caribou Trail: Forest Walking, Brooks, and a Steady Climb
From the parking area, the Caribou Trail slips quietly into the trees and immediately settles into a gentle, shaded path. The forest here is a pleasant mix of hardwoods and conifers, and early in the day the light filters softly through the canopy.Within minutes you reach Morrison Brook, where the trail dips to the water, crosses, and then begins following the brook upstream. This is a lovely stretch—cool, mossy, and filled with the kind of subtle soundscape that only a mountain stream can provide.
The trail climbs steadily but reasonably for the next couple of miles until it reaches Kees Falls, where the brook tumbles down a vertical wall of ledge before continuing its run into the gorge below. It’s a fine place to pause before the terrain begins to steepen.
Beyond the falls, the trail grows rockier and more rugged as it works its way toward the notch between Gammon Mountain and Caribou. Just before reaching the height of land, the woods tighten into spruce and fir, giving that familiar White Mountains scent that always seems to signal you’re nearing something good.
At the junction in the notch, the Caribou Trail continues off toward Bog Road, while a faint path leads toward Gammon’s summit. For the loop, turn left and begin climbing Caribou on the Mud Brook Trail.
Mud Brook Trail: Views, Ridges, and a Classic Summit
The Mud Brook Trail wastes no time gaining elevation. It climbs briskly at first, then settles into an easier grade as it enters dense spruce and fir. Before long the trees begin to thin and the first patches of open rock appear—early hints of the views to come.A final push brings you onto Caribou’s broad, open summit ledges. On a clear day, the panorama is impressive: the Mahoosucs to the north, the rolling ridges of western Maine in every direction, and the Presidential Range rising far off to the southwest. It’s the kind of summit that encourages you to linger.
From the top, the trail continues across a series of ledgy viewpoints where the trees fall away and the surrounding hills seem to stretch on forever. Each open slab offers a slightly different perspective, and all feel nicely removed from the busier peaks down south.
Once past the last major lookout, the trail begins a gradual descent toward the notch between Caribou and Haystack. The footing eases, the rocks fade, and soon you’re following the pleasant banks of Mud Brook through a quieter, softer stretch of forest.
Just before the trailhead, the Mud Brook Trail leaves the brook and swings back toward the parking area, completing the loop.
Why Caribou Mountain Stands Out
Caribou doesn’t rely on drama to make an impression. Instead, it delivers a steady rhythm of forest, water, ridge, and views—an old-fashioned White Mountains hike that feels honest and unspoiled. There are no crowds, no long lines of hikers, no scramble bottlenecks. Just a classic mountain loop in a quieter part of the range.It’s the kind of hike that seems to fly under the radar, which is probably part of its charm. If you like the feel of the northern Whites but want a day with more solitude, Caribou is an excellent choice.
Tips Before You Go
- Footwear: The trail has its rocky sections—boots or supportive trail shoes recommended.
- Navigation: Trails are well marked, but a map or GPS is always smart.
- Parking: The Route 113 trailhead usually has space, even on nicer weekends.
- Timing: Most hikers complete the loop in 4–6 hours, depending on weather and how long the summit views keep you.
- Season: Don’t forget Route 113’s winter closure—it changes everything.
For More Information on Hiking Caribou Mountain:
- AllTrails Trail Map and Description
- AMC White Mountain Guidebook
- AMC White Mountain Map
- White Mountains Trail Map
- FarOut App's White Mountain National Forest Download
Hikes near Caribou Mountain in the White Mountains
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Gear we used on this hike:
- REI Flash 22 Backpack
- Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets
- Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes
- Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
- Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt
- Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- DJI Action 2 Camera
- Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch
- Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS
Important Hiking Considerations:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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