MILLINOCKET – Baxter State Park has closed a popular trail that leads to the top of Mount Katahdin.

Park Director Jensen Bissell told WZON-AM that a rock slide this spring “obliterated” much of the Abol Trail. He said the area remains unstable, with the potential for more rocks tumbling down.

Additional Images

1997 Press Herald File Photo Hikers near the end of the Abol Trail during a climb up Mount Katahdin. The trail was mostly obliterated by a rock slide this spring.

The Abol Trail is the shortest and steepest trail to the summit with an elevation gain of nearly 4,000 feet. But it’s never been an easy trail because of loose stone and gravel.

Bissell says the trail will be closed for the season. He said park officials need time to examine the trail in detail and determine future options.