Baxter State Park Archives

Roaring Brook Nature Trail

The roughly 1.2-mile nature trail to a highland bog with views of Katahdin and South Turner Mountain is lovely at dusk, when I hiked it. In early to mid June, you will also see wildflowers, such as painted trillium and lady slipper orchids. The trail begins at the ranger’s office at Roaring Brook Campground. In

Katahdin Lake trails

16JuneadminBaxter State Parkbeach, brook, campsite, lake, pond

The system of trails here are mostly flat, and bring you to the shores of Martin Pond and Kathadin Lake (in about 2.5 miles and 3.5 miles, respectively, via the most direct routes). When I walked here on a Monday in June, I encountered only one other person who was camping at the quiet north

South Turner Mountain

14JuneadminBaxter State Parkbrook, climb, open summit, pond, swimming, view

This 3,126-foot mountain offers a relatively short, steep climb to wonderful views of Katahdin, Hamlin Peak, and the valley in the middle of the park. Additionally, if it’s a hot day, you can plunge into Sandy Stream Pond at the end, especially from Big Rock (accessible via a side trail). Careful of leeches. (To avoid

Lower Ponds

13JuneadminBaxter State Parkbeavers, brook, pond

Close to the south entrance, at Togue Pond Gatehouse, there is a network of mostly flat trails around a series of small ponds. The trails also include a stretch (a very wet stretch in the fall of 2022 thanks to beavers!) along Abol Stream. The trails that connect Rum, Cranberry, Rocky, Cavelry, Abol, and Kettle

Windy Pitch Pond Trail

29OctoberadminBaxter State Parkpond, waterfall

Map includes sections via canoe on Kidney and Lily Pad Ponds. If you are in the mood for a land-and-water adventure, this route offers a delightful trip that will bring you to two remote ponds and to Little and Big Niagara Falls from the west side of the stream (many hikers follow the Appalachian

Appalachian Trail (south of Daicey Pond)

29OctoberadminBaxter State ParkAppalachian trail, river, waterfall

Appalachian Trail in dark blue; Foss and Knowlton Trail in red; Blueberry Ledges in light blue; Abol Pond and Abol Stream Trails in yellow. The final miles of the Appalachian Trail that lead to the base of Katahdin, the last mountain of the long hike, offer a peaceful walk through old forest, along the banks

Dwelley Pond

19AugustadminBaxter State Parkpond

When we were in this part of the park, we heard from several people that Dwelley Pond was a good place for moose spotting. We didn’t see any, sadly, when we hiked this one-way, 5.3-mile trail. But there is a little side trail to the pond’s edge, where you can launch a canoe. You can

Mt. Coe-South Brother-North Brother Loop

17Augustadmin1 CommentBaxter State Parksteep climb, traverse, view

<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span><span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span> Mt. Coe-South Brother-North Brother loop in red; Mt. O-J-I in blue. Baxter State Park has created a magnificent loop (about 10 miles according to my park map) that connects North Brother, South Brother, and

Katahdin Stream Falls

17AugustadminBaxter State Parkclimb, waterfall

For a relatively easy hike to do in Baxter State Park, this one is great. The waterfall is stunning, the pools are clear and cold, and the trail passes through pretty forest as it meanders next to the stream. The first 1.1 miles on the Hunt Trail starts off flat. Then the trail gradually climbs

The Owl

17AugustadminBaxter State Parkswimming, view, waterfall

For great views of Katahdin, including distant silhouettes of hikers looking minuscule on the Hunt Trail, check out wonderful Owl mountain, neighbor to Katahdin. The hike begins at Katahdin Stream Campground, where you can park in the day-use area. Be warned that this lot can fill early since it is shared with Katahdin hikers

Maine by Foot

Category Archives: Baxter State Park