Baxter State Park, A True Wilderness Experience

Baxter State Park is a True Wilderness Experience. With over 200,000 acres, this special place is a hiker’s paradise to experience nature at its best.

There are 46 mountain peaks for you to explore of which 18 of them are over 3,000’ in elevation. The highest peak in Baxter State Park is Baxter Peak at 5,267’.

It’s a park you can get lost in so you should always have a good map with you. Trail maps can be obtained at the area campground, park headquarters in East Millinocket, and the Visitor Center at Togue Pond.

The park is free for Maine residents. The non-resident fee is $16 per vehicle.

I have been very fortunate to have experienced the seclusion of this magnificent park many times. Maine is one of my favorite places to vacation and it’s true when they say, “Maine, The Way Life Should Be”.

Also, as I am a big moose lover and to see them in the wild is an experience of a lifetime. I’ve seen many moose at Baxter State Park, and I guess it’s one of the main reasons I love it so much.

Baxter State Park  History         

Baxter State Park, where the northern terminus of the Appalachian trail is, was a “gift” from Governor (1921 to 1924) Percival P, Baxter. He purchased around 6,000 acres in 1930 and gave this land to the state as a gift. His condition was that the land was to be used for public forest used for recreational purposes.

The park was named Baxter State Park in 1933 by the Maine Legislature. Baxter continued to purchase land and give it to the state until his last purchase of 7,700 acres in 1962. After his death, others purchased land and donated it to the state bringing Baxter State Park to its current size today.

Some Facts About Baxter State Park

• There is no electricity in the park
• Domestic animals are not allowed in the park
• It’s a carry-in/carry-out park
• There is no portable water
• There are no paved road in the park
• No cell service of any kind
• Camping is allowed in designated areas only
• It’s very remote therefore any type of rescue could take a long time
• You are not allowed to bring firewood into the park however there is firewood for sale
• There are no stores or gas within the park, so you will have to bring whatever you need with you
• There are only outhouses with the park
• No showers are available within the park
• In May and early June, the black flies are extremely bad and it is recommended to take precautions and wear netted headgear.

Baxter State Park Directions

There are three ways to get to Baxter State Park.

Millinocket Maine

Millinocket is located 11 miles off exit 244 on Interstate 95. It’s the last stop for supplies before heading to Baxter State Park. Although it’s only 18 miles away it will take you about an hour to the Togue Pond entrance.

Pattern, Maine

Pattern is off exit 264 on Interstate 95. It will be your last stop for supplies and gas before driving the 26 miles to Baxter’s north entrance, Matagamon Gate.

Greenville (Moosehead Lake area)

We stay in the Moosehead Lake area a lot and always go to Baxter from there. It’s about a 2.5-hour ride on one of the most unique roads I have ever traveled, Golden Road.

We enjoy the ride there just as much as Baxter State Park. You see, Golden Road is a logging road used by the many logging companies in the area. There are many spots on the road that are owned by the logging companies.

They allow access for recreational purposes only as the area has numerous lakes. Halfway between Moosehead and Baxter, there is a log cabin, literally in the middle of nowhere. This is where they collect a recreational fee.

This is mostly a wide dirt road with nothing around and no cell service. This road is how the logging companies get from Millinocket to bring their products to the mills. The road goes from Millinocket to Canada.

There are many reasons why I love this road but the main one is the moose along the way. Every time we have driven this road, we saw moose. The most we ever saw in one ride was 11.

Caution

Caution is needed when driving on this road not only because of the moose coming out at you at dusk but also because of the large logging trucks. They have the right of way along Golden Road.

Baxter State Park Weather

Weather in Baxter State Park can change in a second so you must be prepared for any conditions. Weather is posted daily at all campgrounds and the visitors center.

I remember hiking to Katahdin Stream Falls one beautiful sunny warm afternoon without a cloud in the sky when suddenly a storm hit. It was the coldest rain I’ve ever felt and the temperature dropped by more than 30 degrees in a very short time.

So weather conditions must be taken seriously when hiking in the park especially if you are hiking any of the trails to Baxter Peak.

Park Tote Road

There is one main road traveling from the south entrance (Togue Pond) to the north entrance (Matagamon Gatehouse) totaling 41 miles. This road is a dirt road, very narrow and winding. RVs are prohibited in the park as you would never to able to drive one on this road.

Also, there are restrictions for vehicles as well as no motorcycles or ATVs allowed in the park.

There are four similar-style roads off the main road. An 8-mile road goes from Togue Pond gate to Roaring Brook Campground. There is lots of hiking in this area.

There are two roads off of Foster Field, one to Daicey Ponds Camp (1.5 miles) and one to Kidney Pond Camps (also 1.5 miles). The last road in the park is from Trout Brook Crossing to South Branch Pond campground (2.3 miles).

Baxter State Park Trails

There are more than 200 miles of maintained hiking trails in Baxter State Park. Some are easy and some are very difficult. Here are some of the hikes available for your enjoyment:

Waterfall Hikes

Little Abol Falls

A short flat hike from Abol Campground (.8 miles each way) that begins by going over Abol stream. After the trail has a slight uphill through the woods passing many small falls along the way. then you will see a 15′ drop over rocks into a pool (Little Abol Falls). This is the end of the trail and a great place for a snack or lunch.

You will be able to get a good view of Katahdin from this trail.

Note: There is an Abol Falls which is roadside off Golden Road as this hike is to Little Abol Falls.

Big Niagara/Little Niagara Falls

This is one of my favorite trails in Baxter State Park and a hidden gem. You start at the Daicey Pond Campground and take the Appalachian Trail.

It’s an easy to moderate 2.3-mile roundtrip hike. The trail takes you through old-growth forest and can get muddy when raining. You are rewarded with two beautiful waterfalls about .3 miles away from each other.

There is always a place to find a quiet spot for lunch and you can swim in the pools of Little Niagara on a hot day.

The first time we hiked this with our kids we spent the afternoon swimming. It was so much fun. You never know how the weather will be in Maine so take advantage if you can.

Katahdin Stream Falls

From the Hunt Trail (which is the Appalachian Trail) from the Katahdin Stream Campground hike 1.2 miles to his stunning waterfall. It sits at the base of Katahdin.

This hike is moderate with some steep areas. You are also going around some boulders. When you cross over the bridge you are also to the falls so kept going, it’s only a little further.

The falls are a great place to rest and have some lunch before heading back.

Ledge Falls

About an hour ride north on the Tote Road you will come to Ledge Falls. Really not a waterfall but rather a natural waterslide made up of many small rapids, mini-cascades and “swimming holes”.

On a warm day, this area will be crowded with children and pool toys and tubes. The pools below the cascades can offer hours of fun however caution is needed when water levels are high.

We planned on swimming here on a hot day on one of our many trips to Baxter State Park. However, mother nature had different plans as the sunny hot day became cold and wet without any notice.

Easy Hikes in Baxter State Park

Abol Pond Loop

For excellent views of Katahdin (on a clear day of course) this 3-mile loop is flat and easy to hike.

Sandy Stream Pond

This is my favorite hike in the park. First of all, it’s a flat, easy hike that the whole family can enjoy but most importantly, you have a great chance of seeing moose. You see I’ve been here a few times and always saw moose.

You can get a “moose pass” at the Togue Gatehouse. These passes are issued for 3 hours and on a first come first serve basis. Although you are in the wild, the thought is that the quieter the better for a chance to see moose.

Grassy Pond

This is another great place to spot moose. It’s a flat 3.1-mile loop mostly on Appalachian Trail. You begin this trail from the Daicey Pond parking area in the campground.

Park Map

Mount Katahdin

Mount Katahdin is the jewel of this park and Baxter Peak at 5576, Maine’s tallest mountain and also the “end” of the Appalachian Trail.

Every year the thru-hikers goal is to reach this destination. You can also hike this as a day hike with several different trails going to the top.

This hike is not for beginners and is challenging for the most experienced hikers. Know your ability and do not underestimate the mountain.

NOTE: All hikers attempting any of the Katadhin summit trails must obtain a pass from Togue Gatehouse before hiking.

Trails to Katadhin’s summits

There are a variety of trails leading to Katahdin’s summit that are DIFFICULT and require 8 to 10 hours of hiking from the trail parking lots. Hikers need to have an early start, take at least 2 quarts of water, and be prepared for anything.

No matter what trail you decide to take your total elevation gain will be over 4,000′. Here is a list of trails for your consideration:

• Abol Trail (shortest route)
• Hunt (Appalachian Trail and most popular)
• Chimney Pond
• Helen Taylor
• Knife Edge (not recommended if afraid of heights)
• Saddle Trail (easiest trail)
• Cathedral
• Hamlin Ridge
• The Travelers Loop (leaves from the north section of the park)

Note:  You will need a day use parking reservation to hike Mt. Katahdin. If you don’t reserve a space you may be able to get a space on a first come first serve basis beginning at 7.05 am. When all spaces are filled, you will not to able to hike these trails that day.

For more hikes in Baxter State Park visit the park website.

Russell Pond Trail

The Russell Pond Trail is a popular hiking route in Baxter State Park, offering hikers an immersive experience in the park’s remote wilderness area This moderate to difficult trail is 7.2 miles each way and is often used to access Russell Pond Campground. The trail provides a genuine wilderness experience, away from the more crowded areas of the park.

Baxter State Park Campgrounds

There are numerous places to camp (no RV camping) within the park. Each facility offers different accommodations including text sites, lean-tos, bunkhouses, and cabins. Some also have group sites.

Here is a list of campgrounds within the park:

• Katahdin Stream
• Roaring Brook
• Russel Pond
• South Branch Pond
• Daisey Pond (10 cabins)
• Kidney Pond (12 cabins)
• Abol
• Nesowadnehunk Field
• Trout Brook Farms
• Russell Pond (backcountry)
• Chimney Pond (backcountry)
• Katahdin Lake (backcountry)

Camping Reservations are a must and can be done 4 months before your planned trip. Campgrounds are open (depending on weather) from May 15 to October 15. Check here for reservations.

Canoe Rentals

Canoe and kayak rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at every campground with a pond for $1 per hour. They are also available at backcountry ponds with trail access.

Backcountry lean-to sites that are on a pond came with their canoe. Some have keys so please check when reserving.

Campgrounds Near Baxter State Park

Wilderness Edge Campground

Wilderness Edge Campground is a full-service facility that offers several different accommodations including tent sites with tents, tent sites where you bring your gear, RV sites with water and electric hookups, RV rentals, camping cabins, and deluxe cabins.

They are located about 15 minutes from the south entrance of Baxter State Park.

Matagamon Wilderness Campground

Matagamon Wilderness Campground is located 1.5 miles from the north entrance of Baxter State Park. They have tent sites and can also accommodate RVs up to 42′.

There are no hookups but a dump station is available for your convenience. There are only outhouses in this campground. They also have 6 cabins for rent.

Final Thoughts

Living on the East Coast there are very few places like Baxter State Park. It’s real wilderness at its best to enjoy and discover.

Our trips to Baxter State Park are always wonderful no matter the weather, it’s a real chance to see stunning mountains and forests in it’s real untamed conditions.

You haven’t lived until you hike to a pond and see a moose eating. This is what Baxter State Park is all about, a true wilderness experience.

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