Baxter State Park Guide

Panorama of Baxter State Park, Maine
Baxter State Park, Maine (Jeremy Woodhouse/PhotoDisc/Getty)

Baxter State Park, a wilderness area of more than 200,000 acres, was former Governor Percival P. Baxter's gift to the State of Maine. In 1930, he made his first land purchase of 5,960 acres, which included Katahdin, Maine's tallest mountain. He donated this land to the State in 1931. By resolve of the Maine Legislature in 1933, the area was officially designated as Baxter State Park, and the summit of Katahdin was named 'Baxter Peak' in his honor. He made his final gift of 7,764 acres in 1962. Read More »

Baxter State Park Highlights

  • The park is a paradise for the naturalist, mountain climber, hiker, and photographer. Many orchids, ferns, alpine, and other plants grow in abundance. Geologists will find interest in Baxter's rhyolite, Katahdin granite, and many fossil types. Bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and winter trackers will find a variety of wildlife to pursue.
  • Anglers have been coming to Baxter since the mid-1800's, and the landscape in the park has changed little. The park has no paved roads, no businesses, and offers some of the best wilderness fishing in the country. Native brook trout are the main draw, and fishing regulations vary depending on the body of water.
  • The Appalachian Trail passes near Daicy Pond, and the state park maintains a campground here. From this site, anglers have access to the excellent fly-fishing on Daicy, Kidney, Rocky, and Draper ponds.
  • There are 46 mountain peaks and ridges, 18 of which exceed an elevation of 3,000 feet, the highest being Baxter Peak at 5,267 feet. The park is crisscrossed by some 200 miles of trails.

By Travel Expert: Mike Kautz


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