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Percival Proctor Baxter an American politician and philanthropist from Maine purchased 6,000 acres of land in 1930 and in 1931 donated the entire parcel to the State of Maine. Upon his death in 1969, had donated over 28 deeds amounting to over 200,00o acres of wilderness known as the Baxter State Park, in Piscataquis County in Maine.
Baxter State Park is one of New England’s largest and most popular parks, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. The park is known for its rugged beauty, steep mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine, is located within the park and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the park, providing a challenging hike for experienced hikers.
Baxter State Park upholds Percival Baxter’s wishes,
“Man is born to die, his works are short-lived. Buildings crumble, monuments decay, wealth vanishes. But Katahdin, in all its glory, forever shall remain the mountain of the people of Maine.”
There are ample activities to keep you occupied at Baxter State Park. In summer, you can take a picnic, swim, and canoe at many of the ponds in the park or try your hand at whitewater canoeing, hunting and fly fishing, bicycling and technical rock climbing or viewing and photographing wildlife such as moose, black bears, and beavers and birds and when winter approaches one can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking and skiing.
Hiking trails
There are over 215 miles of hiking to explore in Baxter State Park so too many to mention but the following are the most popular and will give you an idea of your options available:
- Chimney Pond is a 3.3 mile trail that is moderate and has many water sources along the trail;
- Abol Slide a 3.4 mile trail that is very challenging and strenuous and requires some sections to be hand-over-foot for climbing over boulders;
- Hunt trail a 2.4 mile trail to the summit of Katahdin and is the most popular;
- Helon Taylor a 3.2 mile trail to Pamola Peak is a very strenuous trail that has hikers exposed to the elements and should not be attempted in bad weather;
- Saddle trail a 2.2 mile is a trail with gradual ascent to Baxter Peak but hikers should be aware of loose stones and gravel underfoot;
- Knife Edge a 1.1 mile trail is the most dangerous and strenuous trail, not to be hiked in high winds or bad weather. This hike has claimed over 50 lives since 1933 and should not be undertaken unless you are in good health, you’re an experienced hiker, you have undertaken several other hikes along cliff edges and you do not have a fear of heights.
When to go
Most trails are open year-round but most of the campsites are open from the 15th of May each year to 15th of October, with winter campsites and activities opening up in December to March however it would be best to check out the Baxter State Park’s Facebook page for up to date information.
Where to stay
All campsites offer hiking trails, swimming, fishing and in winter, skiing.
- Abol Slide – set in a hardwood forest near the base of the Abol Slide with access to the Abol Falls Trail and Togue Pond gate;
- Katahdin Stream – a family favorite with access to ponds and streams and the Appalachian Trail;
- Roaring Brook – the favorite of all campgrounds, with access to all Katahdin Trails and lakes for canoeing;
- For hikers backcountry campsites include Russell Pond and Chimney Pond;
- For walk-in tent sites on the North End, Nesowadehunk Field, South Branch Pond and the more remote Trout Brook Farm are available;
- Katahdin Lake Wilderness Cabins – if camping in the dispersed campsites does not sound appealing to you, you can book a cabin for two to six persons.
All campsites have a natural water source however they do not have water spigots, so best to bring along a water filtration kit for your water supply. Although there are no showers available, there are outhouses available for use.
Please note that this is bear country so no pets and drones are allowed at the Baxter State Park. Bringing your own firewood is not permitted as firewood is either offered or is for sale. If you do not have Maine plates you will have to pay an entrance fee and although a given when camping, having a flashlight or head-torch is a park rule and the carry in, carry out rule is enforced.
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