Baxter Is The Single Best State Park In Maine And It’s Just Waiting To Be Explored
If you love nature and find yourself in Maine, you’ve got plenty of options for places to explore. Many people who live here can simply go outside and find themselves surrounded by beauty. A breeze through the trees, a bird’s chirp, or just good ol’ fashioned silence is all we need to ease the mind. Sometimes, though, a larger adventure is called for and when that’s the case you’ll want to head to one of the best state parks in Maine! But don’t just take our word for it. Travel + Leisure just named this one the best and we think you’ll agree.
Baxter State Park in Millinocket offers 2,000 beautiful acres of land on which to explore, unwind, and let go. It also offers a chance for adventure-seekers to challenge themselves on some of the state's hardest trails.
Governor Percival P. Baxter gifted the park to the state of Maine in 1931. The only stipulation was that it remain "forever wild." Today, if you visit, you'll see that the mandate has been taken seriously as this is one of the most wild-feeling spots in all of New England.
Most people know the park as home to 5,267-foot Mt. Katahdin, the tallest peak in the state. This is also the last challenge on a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. Once hikers arrive at the summit, their journey is over.
But Mt. Katahdin isn't the only challenging hike here at Baxter State Park. Thrill seeking hikers will want to check out the Knife Edge trail. Just be sure not to look down!
There are plenty of hikes without much elevation leading to the kind of beauty we come here to see. Waterfalls, lakes, and ponds are just a few of the features we like to make sure we see.
Plan your visit ahead of time to be sure you hit every spot you want to see. And then simply visit and enjoy some of the best outdoor opportunities in Maine!
Baxter State Park is open year-round. In the summer you can visit every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in the winter you can visit Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for Maine residents and $15 for those visiting from out of state. You can learn more about the park by visiting the official website. You can learn more about hiking at the park by checking out this page on alltrails.com. The park can be reached at 207-723-5140.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
