Outdoors
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There’s a lot to know about visiting Baxter State Park. So much so, it can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first trip. First of all, the park is huge. It takes more than two hours to drive from one end to the other.
The park’s website has so much information that there’s really no reason to be unprepared. The first time I went, I knew all the locations, estimated travel times and the more difficult trail sections to watch out for.
But if you’re not a planner and want as much information in one spot as possible, here’s some of the most pertinent information to know before visiting.
How to make reservations
You don’t need a reservation to get into the park, but you’ll probably want one if you’re planning to hike Katahdin. Reservations are available for the three Katahdin trailhead parking areas and cost $10 per vehicle. They can be made online or by phone.
If you’re camping at one of these locations before a Katahdin hike, your campsite reservation also serves as your access to the trailhead.
If you don’t have a reservation, get to the park entrance gate early, which opens at 6 a.m. There are cancellations and no-shows every day, so unreserved parking spaces are often available, especially on weekdays. You’ll want to be on the trail by around 7 a.m. anyway.
Before you enter the park
Maine residents may enter the park free of charge. Nonresident vehicles must pay a $20 entrance fee. Pets, outside firewood and drones are prohibited.
Services are limited
Fill your gas tank before you arrive and bring all the food, drinking water and supplies you’ll need. There are no gas stations, restaurants, stores or potable water in the park. Cell service is limited or unavailable.
Check the weather
You can check NOAA or another weather website or app before your trip, but Baxter State Park posts daily conditions on its website that are specific to the park. The report includes trail conditions and closures, stream crossing conditions, the summit weather forecast, road closures or delays, fire danger and other important alerts.
If you’re already in the park and don’t have cell service, check the information boards at the trailheads.
Summer afternoons are when thunderstorms are most common. Plan to reach the summit of Katahdin, or any other peak, by noon. Keep in mind that a Katahdin hike can take seven to 10 or more hours, depending on the route you choose.
Download maps and know the trails
The park has downloadable maps for every trail. You can also download them in Avenza, AllTrails or onX before your trip, which I’d recommend because cell service is spotty. Paper maps are available at the gate entrances.
Having a map can also help in areas where trail blazes have faded or are spread far apart. Don’t expect a well-defined gravel path the entire way. Many trails cross boulder fields, exposed rock and other rugged terrain. In thick fog above treeline, a map can make it much easier to stay on the trail.
Trail distances are listed on the park’s website, and none of the Katahdin trails are easy. For example, Abol Trail includes a long boulder scramble that requires serious upper body work. Most of a Katahdin hike is above treeline. At higher elevations you’re more likely to get sunburned, you’re a target during lightning storms and it can be pretty chilly, even in mid-summer.
Have the right gear
People often underestimate how long a hike will take and how different conditions can be at higher elevations than they are at the trailhead or campsite.
You’re just hiking for the day. What do you need a pack and a bunch of gear for, right? I was shocked by the number of people I saw on Katahdin’s summit with nothing — not even a water bottle.
At the very least, carry water and some granola bars. A compass, knife and fire starter are three things you should have on any backcountry adventure. There are compass apps, too, which I occasionally use, but I always carry both. And don’t forget a headlamp. If you sprain an ankle and have to slowly make your way back to the trailhead after dark, you’ll be glad you brought one. Summer days are long, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Sunscreen, bug spray, a light fleece and a rain jacket are a few other things I’d recommend.
Explore beyond Katahdin
Baxter State Park has more than 220 miles of hiking trails, and only about 16% of them are on Katahdin. There is much more to explore across the park’s 209,644 acres, including more than 40 mountain peaks that typically see far fewer hikers than Katahdin.
Other popular destinations include Chimney Pond, Sandy Stream Pond, South Turner Mountain, Little Niagara Falls, North Brother, Mount Coe and South Brother via the Marston Loop, and the Traveler Loop. The hikes range from short walks to waterfalls and ponds to strenuous, all-day mountain climbs.
Stay in a cabin
Baxter State Park has cabins, lean-tos, bunkhouses, group sites and tent sites available by reservation. Cabins are available only at Kidney Pond, Daicey Pond and Nesowadnehunk Field.
Cabins have mattresses, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding. You’ll also want a lantern or headlamp because the cabins don’t have electricity. There are no refrigerators, ovens, kitchen stoves or running water. You must cook outside using your own camp stove or a fire.
They are as rustic as it gets.
Rent a canoe or kayak
Baxter State Park rents canoes at dozens of ponds and lakes throughout the park, and kayaks are available at Daicey Pond, Kidney Pond, South Branch Pond, Trout Brook Farm and Wassataquoik Lake.
Some canoes are reserved for campers staying at specific campsites, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the location, you may need to check out a key at a campground or gate before launching. Rentals include paddles and lifejackets.
It’s a great option for people who don’t own a canoe or kayak, or don’t want to travel with one.