Baxter State Park is a wildlife and nature reserve in Millinocket, Maine, about 1 hour north of Bangor. It was established as part of a land trust gift from former Maine Governor Percival P. Baxter and today comprises approximately 200,000,000 acres of protected land (about 320 square miles).

Camping

If you’re visiting central and northern Maine, Baxter State Park is a great Maine vacation destination. The park is home to no fewer than 10 campgrounds, both drive-ins and hikes, some open in the winter and others in the summer. Camps consist of sheds, tent sites, barracks, and a limited number of cabins. Reservations well in advance are recommended, especially in the summer as sites fill up quickly. If you’re interested in winter accommodations, you can probably get away with making your reservations relatively early for your camp date. Please note, however, that you can only make reservations by mail, phone, or in person. NO EMAIL, so plan accordingly. For more information on reservations, simply visit the park’s website at the bottom of the page.

Hiking and Climbing

Baxter State Park is home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Its highest peak, Baxter Peak, rises some 5,267 feet. A small rock mound at the peak actually raises the peak another 13 feet, to make the elevation exactly one mile above sea level. Although relatively short for a hiking mountain, Katahdin is by no means easy. Those looking to climb the mountain should plan on a full day of climbing if they hope to reach the top, and bring plenty of water, snacks, and warm clothing, even in summer. There are four trails that ascend to the top of Katahdin, any one of which would be a great challenge for hiking as a vacation destination in Maine.

In addition to Mount Katahdin, there are approximately 180 miles of hiking trails through the park, most available for hiking in the summer, although some are open for exhibits in the winter.

Wildlife

Baxter State Park is home to several unique environments, providing a wide variety of wildlife to view. There are multiple swamps and parts of Katahdin qualify as alpine areas. It’s not unusual to see moose, deer, bear, coyotes, bobcats on your hike, along with a host of smaller woodland creatures. A good variety of birds is also present thanks to the different environments present.

Baxter State Park was originally intended to be a forest preserve first and a recreational park second. Keep this in mind when you visit the park! You are a guest here and treat your surroundings with respect.

If you’re trying to think of a great Maine vacation destination, look no further than this beautiful state park. We hope to see you there.