Hiking in Baxter State Park
With over 200 miles of trail, Baxter State Park is the place for your next hiking adventure!
Mountains
Baxter State Park boasts more than 20 mountains for hikers to enjoy. Popular climbs include Katahdin, South Turner, the Brothers, Mount Coe, Doubletop, OJI, Sentinel, and Traveler.
Backcountry
There are many remote overnight hiking trails as well. Multi-day trips are possible in the Russell Pond area, Katahdin Lake area, Five Ponds area, Freezeout Trail, and elsewhere.
-
What To Bring
Dress appropriately for the conditions (layers are best). Wear sturdy shoes or boots and make sure to bring rain gear. Pack plenty of food and snacks, and at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person for a full day. A good map, first aid kit, and a signaling device (like a whistle) are essential. Park rules require all hikers to carry a flashlight or headlamp. You’ll find a complete list and great suggestions here.
-
Leave No Trace
Baxter State Park is a carry in, carry out park. If you brought it with you, please take it home with you. Do your best to leave Baxter State Park as natural and wild as you found it. Be sure to read Leave No Trace before you go.
-
Safety First
Always be cautious and yield to bad weather. Avoid thunderstorms, high winds, ice, and heavy rain as much as possible. Don’t underestimate the danger you may be in. If you come across wildlife be safe and keep your distance. Wildlife can be unpredictable especially since we are in their space. Learn more about weather safety.
What to expect on the trail? Some good advice from Know Before You Go:
Weather: Baxter State Park weather can change rapidly. Weather forecasts are posted daily at campgrounds. Rain, wind, and lightning spell danger, especially above treeline. Downpours can quickly flood brooks and streams. Hail, sleet, and snow can occur year-round. Be prepared for the unexpected, especially when climbing above treeline.
Animals: The Park is populated by a wide variety of animals. It is not uncommon to see white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, porcupines, raccoons, red squirrels, and chipmunks. Less common but occasionally seen by sharp eyes are fox, mink, weasel, pine marten, muskrat, fisher, and black bear. Some of these species are expert moochers and have skills in opening food containers. If you wish to see wildlife, hike quietly. Park rules prohibit feeding animals. Keeping wildlife wild will help them survive.
Geology: Barren mountains show off their pasts. Katahdin's several cirques (basins) were carved by glaciers. The glacier in South Basin cut all the way to the south side of the mountain, creating the famous Knife Edge. While Katahdin is mainly granite, some of the northern Park mountains are of volcanic origin. The South Branch of Trout Brook even cut through a hill that shows layers of coal. A Guide to the Geology of Baxter State Park and Katahdin, available at Park Headquarters, is an excellent resource to learn more.
Artifacts: The Park has a long history of human use by Native Americans, hunters, lumbermen, and others. Items they left behind exist in many places. Per BSP regulations, leave historical items where you find them so that future visitors can enjoy them, too.
Day Hikes
Baxter State Park has many fun and unique day-hike options, such as mountains like Doubletop, OJI, The Owl, Sentinel, and many more.
Spend the day relaxing on a pond, exploring or kayaking at Daicey Pond, Kidney Pond, Foss and Knowlton, South Branch Ponds, Sandy Stream Pond, and many more.
If you're a more experienced hiker/camper looking for a remote multiple-day experience Baxter State Park has that covered, too, with backcountry camping locations at Russell Pond, Davis Pond, Wassataquoik lake, South Branch Pond, and others.
Overnight Hikes
Baxter State Park has lots of short hikes, many of them appropriate for children and non-hikers who want to get out on an easy trail. Explore with confidence: Cranberry Bog, Caverly Pond, Horse Mountain, and Stump pond.
Short Hikes
One of our Favorites
Togue Pond gatehouse issues free “Moose Passes” on a first-come, first-served basis to hike to Sandy Stream Pond, a great moose-watching spot. Approach the pond quietly, keep your voice low in this area, and respect the wildlife.