Chimney Pond Trail at Baxter State Park

Chimney Pond Trail at Baxter State Park

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Nicholas

One of the most popular hikes in Maine's Baxter State Park, the 3.3-mile Chimney Pond Trail is a gradual ascent to the shores of Chimney Pond, at the bottom of Mount Kathadin's South Basin.

Getting to the Trailhead

From Millinocket, drive 18 miles northwest on SR 157 to the Baxter State Park Togue Pond gatehouse. Follow the dirt road eight miles to Roaring Brook Campground. The Chimney Pond Trail starts at the campground.

Roaring Brook Campground

There are nine lean-tos, 10 tent sites and an eight- to 10-person bunkhouse. It's open May 15 to Oct. 15; reservations are required.

The Hike

You'll gain 1,430 feet as you climb steadily through woods and open clearings. The trail flanks the Roaring Brook for the first half mile and reaches the southwestern shore of Lower Basin Pond at two miles before heading back into the woods. A final descent takes you to the banks of Chimney Pond.

The Views

From Chimney Pond, you'll have sweeping views of Mount Katahdin's South Basin and jagged summit.

Chimney Pond Campground

The hike-in campground has nine lean-tos and a 10-person bunkhouse. It's open June 1 to Oct. 15; reservations are required.

Article Written By Pamela Wright

Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University

Write for Trails.com
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