Baxter State Park isn't just about Katahdin. Yes, Maine's highest peak dominates the southern end of the park and draws thousands of hikers each year. But this 209,644-acre wilderness holds so much more: over 40 peaks, 175+ miles of trails, pristine ponds, moose-filled marshes, and a commitment to wilderness preservation that makes it unlike any other park in the Northeast.
Baxter was a gift from former Governor Percival Baxter, who spent decades buying up land and deeding it to the state with one condition: it must remain 'forever wild.' That mission continues today. There's no cell service, limited facilities, and strict regulations—all in service of preserving a genuine wilderness experience.
Park Overview
The Setting
Baxter State Park encompasses 209,644 acres in north-central Maine, surrounding Mount Katahdin and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. The park contains 46 mountain peaks and ridges, 18 of them over 3,000 feet.
The Wilderness Ethic
Baxter operates differently from most parks. There's no electricity (solar only at some facilities), no running water, limited cell service, and strict regulations on group size and activities. This isn't bureaucracy—it's intentional wilderness preservation. Come prepared to disconnect.
Key Regulations
- Reservations required for camping and day-use parking
- No pets allowed anywhere in the park
- No motorcycles or ATVs
- Commercial vehicles prohibited
- Groups limited to 12 people
Beyond Katahdin: Other Great Hikes
Doubletop Mountain
- Distance: 6.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
A challenging climb to a beautiful summit with excellent views of Katahdin and the surrounding wilderness. Less crowded than Katahdin with similar rewards.
The Traveler Loop
- Distance: 10.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,900 feet
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
In the park's less-visited northern section, the Traveler is a volcanic remnant with dramatic terrain. The loop traverses multiple peaks with views across the northern wilderness.
South Turner Mountain
- Distance: 4.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The classic Katahdin viewpoint. From South Turner's summit, the entire Katahdin massif spreads before you. Perfect for days when Katahdin itself is clouded in or you want a shorter hike.
North Brother
- Distance: 8.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The highest of the Brothers peaks, with excellent views and far fewer hikers than Katahdin. The Marston Trail approach offers a true wilderness experience.
Easy and Moderate Options
Sandy Stream Pond
- Distance: 1.0 mile round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
Probably the best place in Maine to see moose. The short trail leads to a pond with excellent Katahdin views and frequent moose sightings, especially early morning and evening.
Daicey Pond Nature Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
A gentle loop around beautiful Daicey Pond with mountain views and wildlife opportunities.
Sentinel Mountain
- Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
A shorter climb with good views for those seeking something less ambitious than the major peaks.
Kidney Pond Loop
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
A pleasant pond-side walk through classic Maine woods.
Planning Your Visit
Reservations
This is critical: Baxter requires reservations for everything.
- Camping: Opens 4 months before your date at 9 AM
- Day-use parking: Reservation window varies by trailhead
- Where to book: baxterstatepark.org
Popular dates (summer weekends, fall foliage) book within minutes. Have backup dates and be ready to book exactly when the window opens.
Getting There
The park has two main entrances:
- Togue Pond (south): Via Millinocket
- Matagamon (north): Via Patten
Roads are unpaved and slow. Plan for 20 mph average speed inside the park.
When to Visit
- June: Bugs can be brutal but crowds are lighter
- July-August: Peak season, best weather, hardest reservations
- September: Fall colors begin, fewer bugs, excellent hiking
- October: Hunt for Columbus Day foliage, park closes mid-month
Camping
Options
Baxter offers various accommodations:
- Tent sites: Individual and group sites at various campgrounds
- Lean-tos: Three-sided shelters with wooden platforms
- Bunkhouses: At some locations, basic indoor accommodation
- Cabins: Limited rustic cabins at select campgrounds
Popular Campgrounds
- Katahdin Stream: Closest to Katahdin trailheads
- Roaring Brook: Access to Chimney Pond and Katahdin
- Chimney Pond: Backcountry camping in Katahdin's cirque
- South Branch Pond: Beautiful northern location
What to Expect
No showers, no electricity, composting toilets. Bring everything you need. The reward is genuine wilderness quiet.
Wildlife
Baxter is prime wildlife territory:
- Moose: Common, especially around ponds at dawn/dusk
- Black bear: Present—use bear boxes at campsites
- Loons: Their calls echo across ponds
- Bald eagles: Nesting pairs in the park
Dawn and dusk are best for sightings. Sandy Stream Pond and Russell Pond are particularly productive.
Quick Reference: Baxter State Park
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doubletop | 6.0 mi | Strenuous | Views, solitude |
| South Turner | 4.0 mi | Moderate | Katahdin views |
| Traveler Loop | 10.5 mi | V. Strenuous | Adventure |
| Sandy Stream | 1.0 mi | Easy | Moose |
Baxter State Park offers something increasingly rare: genuine wilderness within reach of the eastern seaboard. Yes, Katahdin is magnificent—but the park's true gift is 200,000 acres where nature comes first and visitors are guests. Explore beyond the famous peak and discover Maine's wildest corner.
