South Branch Mountain Trail

South Branch Mountain Trail is the steep core of the South Branch Pond Loop / Black Cat Mountain Loop in Baxter State Park, running out of South Branch Pond Campground and then swinging up toward South Branch Mountain and onward to Black Cat Mountain before returning via Pogy Notch Trail.

Expect a quick transition from wet, small-stream crossings early in the hike to a sustained climb; the trail is heavily wooded for much of the ascent, with views opening only at certain ledges and knobs rather than from the South Branch Mountain summit itself.

On the climb, you’ll reach the wooded summit area around the 2-mile mark, then continue into the saddle and press on toward Black Cat Mountain; for this loop, Black Cat is the higher-payoff section for sightlines toward Traveler Mountain and Katahdin.

After Black Cat Mountain, the route drops back toward Upper South Branch Pond. The descent includes rocky, uneven footing and bog-bridge terrain as it transitions from steeper slopes down to the pond country.

Near Upper South Branch Pond, you’ll connect with Pogy Notch Trail. Turning onto Pogy Notch sets you up for a flatter return walk through the woods, with the final stretch leading back to the campground.

Operationally, this is a northern Baxter hike: register/check in with the ranger station at the campground before you start, and plan around park rules that restrict pets and require carry-out trash.

More information: Baxter State Park | McWilliams Takes A Hike, Pogy Notch Trail - Maine Trail Finder, South Branch and Black Cat Mountains - Maine by Foot