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.
Baxter State Park / Facebook
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.
usinterior / Flickr
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.
David Boulanger / alltrails.com
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!
jackheddon / Flickr
If you're not interested in depth-defying hikes, there's still plenty to enjoy!
prefers_salt_marsh / Flickr

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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.
thepiper351 / Flickr
And while Baxter is synonymous with adventure, we love that it's also a place to unwind and relax.
Baxter State Park / Facebook
It's not uncommon to find people photos, painting or just writing.
Baxter State Park / Facebook
The park offers year-round primitive camping, which means you can set up a base from which to explore.
daveynin / Flickr
It's a beauty in the fall as well as the winter.
Baxter State Park / Facebook
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 / Facebook

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.

Once you’ve explored Baxter, the state’s second-largest state park is also worth a visit! In fact, this 8,000-acre state park in Maine truly stands out from the rest.

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Baxter State Park, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA