Baxter State Park

Understand

History Baxter State Park was donated to the state of Maine in 1931 by Percival Baxter, the governor of Maine from 1921-1924. The original land donation was made under the condition that it "be kept forever wild", and was almost 6,0000 acres, including Mt. Katahdin the tallest point in Maine at 5,269 ft (1,606 m). Over the years additional land grants and donations have swelled the parks size to 209,644 acres (84,840 hectares), with 75% being managed as a wildlife sanctuary, and about 25% being open to hunting and trapping with the exception of moose. Upon his passing Baxter left a trust of 7 million USD to ensure the park would not be reliant on taxpayer money to be maintained.

Landscape The majority of Baxter State Park is made up of foothills leading up to Mount Katahdin; almost all of it is heavily forested below the tree line. All of Maine is heavily shaped by glacial activity 10-12 thousand years ago, and Baxter State Park is no exception. Mount Katahdin is surrounded by four glacial valleys, each containing debris fields from the last glacial recession, and the forest around Mount Katahdin is filled with large glacial erratics.

Flora and fauna Baxter State Park has a diverse forest ecosystem. Fauna includes black bear, eastern coyotes, whitetail deer, moose, and rabbits. Mt. Katahdin has numerous alpine tundra plants that have managed to continue living on the mountain despite climate change in the region.

Climate Baxter State Park experiences four distinct seasons, including warm humid summers and biting winters. Summer temperatures peak in July and August. Leaf peeping season starts in early September and peaks in late September to early October. Notably snowfall, especially on top of Katahdin has been reported at any time of year. Hikers should prepare accordingly.

Visitor information Park website Park office, ☏ +1 207-723-5140. M–F 8AM–4PM. (updated Jun 2023)

Getting there

The park is 18 mi (29 km) northwest of Millinocket via Millinocket Road. You can also access the park via the Appalachian trail, as Mt. Katahdin is the terminus for the 100 mile wilderness section of the AT when hiking south to north. Mt Katahdin is also the beginning point for the International Appalachian trail when hiking south to north.

See

1 Mount Katahdin. The state's highest peak with an elevation of 5,269 ft (1,606 m). (updated Jun 2023) 2 Mount Katahdin Scenic Lookout, Abol Bridge, Golden Rd, Millinocket. A lookout of the mountain from Abol Bridge. (updated Aug 2025)

Do

Hiking – there are 215 mi (346 km) of trails in Baxter State Park, including the summit trails for Mt. Katahdin the terminus points for North Bound Hikers on the Appalachian trail. If you are attempting to hike Katahdin in the winter, you must submit an application to the park ten days prior to your hike.

Eat

You will need to bring your own food, and cooking gear. If you are staying in a cabin the park asks that cooking be done outside.

Drink & nightlife

There is no potable water in the park, all water needs to be treated before consumption.

Sleep

Camping is permitted during the season (May 15–Oct 15) at any one of the 337 campsites, some of which will require a reservation. Winter camping (December 1st to March 31st) is discouraged by the park, but some camp sites are available to be reserved.