Portland 20s Crew: Outdoor Adventures and Hangouts

This is a training hike for Katahdin. It is also a really awesome hike in the White Mountains with awesome views and lot’s of rock scrambling like Katahdin.

Caps Ridge Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/caps-ridge-trail--2?sh=7bg2z6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Trail head is 2 hours and 30 minutes from Portland. We are meeting at Trail Head at 10am.

Trail Head Address: Mt Jefferson Trailhead Parking, Jefferson Notch Rd, Randolph, NH 03593

Please enter this address of the trailhead in Google Maps (NOT APPLE MAPS) instead of using Meetup’s Location feature which can sometimes be inaccurate.

This hike will require:

-At least 2 liters of water in plastic light weight water bottles. Smart water in 1 liter bottles can be purchased at any store if you don’t have light weight water bottles.

-Snacks, hiking backpack, and easy to eat trail lunch,

-Sunscreen

-Hiking boots because rocks are technical.

We will likely grab dinner on the way back to Portland for anyone interested.

Hope to see you at the hike!

The Portland 20s Crew took advantage of the New England Outdoor Center’s Black Friday deal, which offered white water rafting for $99 per person when booked before December 3. That is why we booked this trip early.

You can still join for $119 per person and be part of the trip.

## Skeleton Itinerary

### Friday, June 26

Drive up to Millinocket, Maine after work. It is about a three hour drive.
Stay at either a campground or an Airbnb.

### Saturday, June 27

White water rafting.

### Sunday, June 28

Optional Mount Katahdin hike.
You can return to Portland after the hike or stay one more night.

### Monday, June 29

Some people may take this day off from work to drive back if they are doing the Katahdin hike.

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## About the White Water Rafting Trip: Penobscot Classic

This full river trip is known for exhilarating rapids and incredible scenery.
In the morning we put in at McKay Station, starting on the upper river. This section drops 70 feet per mile through a narrow granite canyon and includes Class V whitewater.
After a riverside cookout lunch, the trip continues to Nesowadnehunk Falls, a 12 foot waterfall, followed by more than six miles of Class I through IV rapids. The day includes river wide waterfalls, surfing spots, a natural waterslide, and nonstop fun.

### Trip Details

Check In: 8:00 am
Intensity: High
Rapids: Class I through V
Minimum Age: 14
Duration: Full day
Schedule: Trips run seven days a week
Includes: Cookout lunch
Price: Starting at 119 dollars per person

This is one of Portland 20’s Crew’s most exciting summer trips of 2026, and we have an incredible weekend planned.

This event is Segment 2 of the trip. Segment 1 is White Water Rafting with NEOC on Saturday, June 27. These are listed as two separate events so you can choose to attend either one or join us for the full adventure weekend.

Join us for an unforgettable experience exploring Baxter State Park and hiking the tallest peak in Maine, Mount Katahdin.

We secured the last available group campground at Roaring Brook Campground, which is widely considered the best trailhead for accessing Katahdin’s most iconic routes. Staying at Roaring Brook allows us to avoid the morning gate line for day hikers and start our hike early whenever our group is ready.

Roaring Brook Campground provides access to some of the best trails on Katahdin, including routes toward Chimney Pond, Cathedral Trail, Saddle Trail, and Knife Edge.

Because we are camping inside the park to start earlier than the gate opens for day hikers, you must arrive at the campground no later than 8:30 PM on Saturday, June 27. The Baxter State Park gate closes at 8:30 PM, and if you arrive after that you will not be able to enter the park or join the hike.

We have the campground reserved for both Saturday and Sunday night, so if you don’t want to drive home immediately after the hike, you are welcome to stay Sunday night and head out Monday morning.

This will be a full day adventure through rugged terrain, breathtaking alpine views, and one of the most rewarding summits in the Northeast.

Important Notes

This is a strenuous and challenging hike. While no technical climbing is required, you must be in good physical condition and comfortable with rocky terrain, steep elevation gain, and a long day on the trail. Expect roughly 8 to 12 hours round trip depending on the route and pace.

This hike is not recommended for beginners or those new to hiking. Mount Katahdin is widely considered one of the most difficult hikes in the Northeast.

We will coordinate carpools, gear, and preparation ahead of time. Training hike suggestions can also be shared if you want to build up to the challenge.

Tentative Itinerary

Saturday
Arrive at Roaring Brook Campground before 8:30 PM
Set up camp and settle in
Group dinner and hike preparation

Sunday
Early morning start
Hike Mount Katahdin
Group dinner and relax at camp

Monday
Pack up camp and drive home at your convenience

Group Size is Limited and RSVP is Required

If you are ready to take on Maine’s tallest peak with an awesome group of people, RSVP and join us for an unforgettable Katahdin adventure.