Maine has some of the best hiking in New England, if not the entire country. We also happen to have some of the best restaurants. In fact, most of America might be surprised to learn that our great restaurants aren’t always the ones featured in national magazines. Most of the time they’re sitting along Main Street in Vacationland’s small towns. That means they’re also in close proximity to some great outdoor activities. This little restaurant located just off the Appalachian Trail is a great example!
The Appalachian Trail Cafe is a bit of a legend among hikers in this area.
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook Due, in part, to its close proximity to its namesake trail and in part because it’s absolutely fantastic, this iconic restaurant in Millinocket is a hiker favorite!
Inside you’ll find a cozy atmosphere full of both locals and hikers, all here for community and the great food!
goyourownway / TripAdvisor
One step inside and it becomes clear why the restaurant’s motto is, “Friends Gather Here… Where the Trail Meets the Town.”
management / TripAdvisor
Whether you’re thru-hiking or simply trying your hand at a portion of the AT, you’re going to want to be nourished. And with breakfasts the size of the table, this is the place to do it.
Matthew U / TripAdvisor
Meals here are hearty, intended to provide the type of sustenance that those burning thousands of calories a day need.
sourcola / TripAdvisor
But, on any given day you’ll find tons of locals digging into these hearty meals, too.
stevemhall / TripAdvisor
Check out this “Cluck of the Irish” breakfast sandwich made with folded egg, homemade corned beef hash, and melted Swiss on grilled rye bread — yum!
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook
If you’re extra hungry, check out the Trail Burger. It comes with a quarter pound of beef, topped with onion rings, BBQ sauce, and cheddar cheese.
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook
While the main dishes are great, it’s the Summit Sundae that most people hear about.
sreynolds1326 / TripAdvisor
This challenging sundae is huge and if you finish it, you’ll get to add your name to the list of champs and go home with a t-shirt, bumper sticker, and the bowl!
management / TripAdvisor
There are lots of wonderful trail touches at the Appalachian Trail Cafe.
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook
And don’t forget to leave with a souvenir to remember your feats!
Appalachian Trail Cafe / TripAdvisor
The Appalachian Trail Cafe is located at 210 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket, Maine. You can give them a call on 207-723-6720 and check them out on Facebook here. They’re open every day from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook
Due, in part, to its close proximity to its namesake trail and in part because it’s absolutely fantastic, this iconic restaurant in Millinocket is a hiker favorite!
goyourownway / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor
Matthew U / TripAdvisor
sourcola / TripAdvisor
stevemhall / TripAdvisor
sreynolds1326 / TripAdvisor
Appalachian Trail Cafe / TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors, check out this winter hike to a secluded beach. It doesn’t have an awesome restaurant along the route, but it’s still pretty great!
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