Baxter State Park’s many lakes, ponds, streams and rushing rivers provide endless recreational opportunities for kayakers and canoeists. Photo credit: Tom Kilpatrick
It’s interesting to note that the park is not part of the Maine State Park system. Sole governance is provided by the Baxter State Park Authority, and it remains independently funded through a combination of revenue from trusts, user fees, and the sale of forest products from the park’s 30,000-acre Scientific Forest Management. Area (SFMA). Following Governor Baxter’s wishes, park regulations make it clear that the land and wildlife are primary— and people are secondary. In other words, you will be held responsible for your own preparations, behavior, and safety, making for a rigorous wilderness experience—not at all your standard park visit. Baxter’s dirt roads are rough and narrow. Park facilities are described as “rustic and without electricity.” There are about a dozen campgrounds and numerous backcountry camping sites, some with unfurnished bunkhouses, cabins, and lean-tos— all requiring reservations.
from natural sources. In fact, plan to bring everything, food, cooking, and sleeping gear, etc. And, when it’s time to head for home, you’ll be required to pack up your garbage and take it with you. Most visitors come to hike the park’s 215-mile network of trails, and / or to rock climb and scale some of the park’s 40 peaks. Katahdin is most popular and challenging of the climbs. Ascending this granite giant is an extremely strenuous, sometimes technical eight- to 10-hour scramble. Photographers and wildlife-watchers will have a good chance of spotting black bear, moose, lynx, bobcats, foxes, and white-tailed deer. The park’s many lakes, ponds, and rivers are quite suitable for canoeing and kayaking. Rental canoes are available at a number of campgrounds. Fishing is another popular pastime and hunting is possible (in season) in designated areas of the park.
www.baxterstatepark.org | 207-723-5140
There are no showers, only outhouses, so if you come, bring your own water or plan to treat water
STATE PARK STAYCATION
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SPRING 2025 | 36
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