Baxter State Park Trail Information

Baxter State Park Trail Information

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jennifer

Baxter State Park was a gift from former Maine governor Percival P. Baxter. The park has 46 mountain peaks and ridges. Its highest elevation, Baxter Peak, reaches 5,267 feet. About 200 miles of trails are maintained by the park.

Trails

There are 37 major trails in the park. The Appalachian Trail's northern terminus is at the park's Katahdin mountain. The Pogy Notch Trail is the longest trail, totaling 9.61 miles. The shortest trail you can hike is the South Branch Falls Trail, which is just under half a mile (0.43 miles).

Geography

The park is located in Piscataquis County in Maine and comprises a total of 209,501 acres. Notable landforms include the Katahdin massif and the Traveler mountain range.

Climate

The park's climate is typically moist and cool as it is located in the Northern Forest Region of the North American continent. The annual mean temperature is 38.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and the record high temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Campgrounds

If you want to camp at Baxter State Park, you have a total of ten locations to choose from. Campgrounds are located at Roaring Brook, Trout Brook Farm, Abol, Katahdin Stream, Nesowadnehunk, Chimney Pond, Russell Pond, South Branch Pond, Daicey Pond and Kidney Pond. Narrow roads limit trailer access to some camping sites.

Water

The three largest bodies of water in the state park are Nesowadnehunk Lake, Grand Lake Matagamon and Webster Lake. Although Baxter State Park is a wilderness park, its water is not safe for consumption. It is advisable to bring your own water supply.

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

Write for Trails.com
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