"Maine's Forever Wild Park" Baxter State Park by sarahandgareth

Baxter State Park Travel Guide: 28 reviews and 43 photos

Baxter State Park is probably the jewel in the crown as regards wilderness experiences in Maine. Indeed, for many Mainers, climbing Mount Katahdin, in the park, is something of a rite of passage.

Being from Maine, Sarah had visited the Park a number of times, but our first joint visit was part of Gareth's introduction to all things Maine.

Baxter covers over 200,000 acres in northern Maine, and is named after former Governor Percival P. Baxter. After he had completed his term of office, he began to make land purchases in this area, and then, starting in 1931, donated them to the State. Essentially, the original Park was the gift of one man, with the State making subsequent purchases to bring the Park to its current size.

It's an astonishing wilderness area, preserved, as much as possible, in an entirely wild state. The area was logged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but nature has been allowed to return the area to its original state, and the Park's mission is, first and foremost, preservation, and not recreation. This means that there are very strict limits to the numbers of people who can visit on any given day.

Last visit to Baxter State Park: Sep 2003
Intro Updated Jul 30, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (9)

Cry of the Loon Nightlife (1)

Baxter State Park doesn't have any nightlife...at least not in the sense most people think of. After the sun goes down,... more travel advice

Hamlin Peak Things to Do (3)

The summit of Katahdin (Baxter Peak) and the Knife Edge were spectacular, but it was Hamlin Peak that appealed to us... more travel advice

The Knife Edge Things to Do (3)

If you've ever considered hiking in Baxter State Park, you have probably heard of the Knife Edge. From the summit of... more travel advice

Chimney Pond Campground - Baxter State Park

"High Camp" Hotels (3)

We had wanted a lean-to at Chimeny Pond, but had to settle for the bunk house, depite reserving on January 2. It turned... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Wild Life

Local Customs (1)
Getting in

Comments (5)

Reply
- Report abuse
johncudw Aug 10, 2008 at 5:07 AM

Nice photo of the moose. and other Katahdin tips are good , too. "
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Aug 18, 2007 at 10:57 AM

Great tips and beautiful photos of Katahdin and its area! I've driven by many times on I-95 but have yet to make a climbing attempt!
Reply
- Report abuse
mikelisaanna Dec 11, 2005 at 1:48 PM

Nice pages on Baxter. We want to go there when our daughter gets older and can hike a little farther.
Reply
- Report abuse
mrclay2000 Sep 2, 2004 at 10:05 PM

This place has long been a lure for me for its legendary moose sighting. Hope to visit some day soon. . .
Reply
- Report abuse
kazander Jul 30, 2004 at 9:03 AM

Amazing Moose photos! I just returned from my 1st Maine trip! I just love it there. Very helpful page, I definately want to visit there!!!