Great Circle Trail
~3 days · 27.8 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
What the Great Circle Trail is known for
Maine's newest backpacking loop (opened 2021) through Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land, linking Turtle Ridge, Debsconeag backcountry and a stretch of the Appalachian Trail into a ~30-mile circuit of ponds, gorges and ledges.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,175 ft to 6,007 ft over 27.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.7 mi · 42%
- Downhill 9.8 mi · 35%
- Flat 6.3 mi · 23%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Great Circle Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Great Circle Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 27.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Great Circle Trail?
The Great Circle Trail climbs roughly 2,959 ft total — about 106 ft per mile, topping out near 1,834 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.