Bob, Tom and Gene backpacked the Grafton Loop Trail which uses the AT between Old Speck and Baldpate (4 days). Then we hiked on the AT north from Rt. 4 in the so-called High Peaks Region of Western Maine (6 days). After Katahdin, this is the best and most challenging mountain scenery in Maine.
Pictures at https://photos.app.goo.gl/WvZCBJVTJmg2e2BD9