r/BaxterStatePark

Hi! First time in baxter in July 20 or 21 (Monday or Thursday), we want to see Sandy Stream Pond and possibly hike South Turner Mountain but sadly we didn’t get our hands on a parking reservation.

Is it impossible to get parking without a reservation? What options do we have?

Does anyone know if Baxter State Park provides or sells a map of the park when you enter the gate or camp at a campground? I have a map of the AT but not of the full park. Wondering if I can get one there rather than in advance that would have the trails.

Statement from the Maine Forest Rangers:

>On the morning of June 28, a Maine Forest Ranger helicopter short-haul rescue crew was requested by Baxter State Park for an injured hiker on the Knife’s Edge trail on Katahdin. A hiker was reported to have fallen approximately 20 feet near Pamola Peak, sustaining several injuries including a serious open fracture of the lower leg. Baxter State Park Rangers reached the patient and stabilized their injuries for transport.

>After multiple attempts due to cloud cover and stormy weather, the patient was successfully short-hauled off the mountain and transferred to a waiting ground ambulance from the Millinocket Fire Department.

>We are proud to work with our partner agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for those who become hurt or injured while enjoying Maine’s outdoors.

I am planning a multi-day trip to Baxter State Park in late September/early October and would like some feedback on an itinerary.

Day 1

• Start early from Katahdin Stream campground. Ascend Hunt Trail to Baxter Peak.
• Continue north toward Russell Pond on either the North Peaks or Northwest Basin Trail.
• Spend the night at Russell Pond.

Day 2

• Head west to Nesowadnehunk Field campground along the Wassataquoik Lake trail.
• Spend the night at Nesowadnehunk Field.

Day 3

• Head south to Katahdin Stream campground via Double Top mountain trail.
• After Doubletop Mountain, continue on TBD path. Looks like there are options for either trails or road walking starting at Foster Field.

I have not found much information about either the North Peaks trail or the Northwest Basin Trail. Much older information (circa 2012) talks about temporary trail closures followed by reopening.

Any insights and feedback appreciated.

It seems like it rains every weekend. Does anyone know how bad it has to be rain-wise for trail closures? Want to hike to the summit tomorrow but am afraid of the rain Saturday and chance of storms Sunday. Also, if I have a camp reservation for Saturday-Sunday night at kahtadin stream can I park in kahtadin stream sat morning? Thanks :)

I'm being dropped off at Roaring Brook, hiking Chimney Pond → Cathedral → Baxter Peak → Hunt Trail, and exiting at Katahdin Stream. No vehicle will remain in the park. Do I need a Katahdin Trailhead Pass?

Hi all, trail runner here and I’ve been eyeing up katahdin for about a year now. And am in the preliminary stages of plan planning an eventual trip possibly this fall or next summer. I live in the Adirondacks so it’s a long trip for me. Given the long drive, I want to make an epic route of it and hit as many major peaks as possible. As opposed to just getting a 5 hour hike that wouldn’t really justify the drive for me. I’m very comfortable running 20+ mile days in the mountains, I’ve covered the presidential traverse in New Hampshire in just under 7 hours. But I know next to nothing about katahdin other than some stunning photos and that there are several peaks listed in the northeast 115 4000 footers list. I’d like to grab em all if possible but don’t know what the ideal route is. Anybody done a big day up there have advice for how to approach it? Or a good route to take that efficiently hits all the peaks?

My plan is to get up there on a Thursday or Friday night when I have a 3 day weekend ahead of me and attempt on the day with the best weather forecast. I’d like to get at least 15 miles and make an epic day of it. But I need a route, an understanding of bailout points (if any exist) ect ect. Any trail runners got advice for this?

Thanks :)