The fantastic world of Lord of the Rings, created by J.R.R. Tolkien, is one of pure fantasy. But there’s something strangely familiar about the book’s vividly described landscapes. From the beautiful verdant meadows of The Shire to the unforgiving granite landscape of Mordor, we feel as if we’re reading about Baxter State Park – Maine’s very own living, breathing version of “Middle Earth.” And it’s just as enchanting as it sounds.

Located in Millinocket, Baxter State Park and its 200,000 acres are the crown jewel of Maine's state park system.
Ryan Phelan / Flickr
A gift to the people of Maine from Governor Percival P. Baxter, the park was created under the promise that it would remain "forever wild."
Jack Heddon / Flickr
It's perhaps most famous for being the home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine, as well as the northern terminus of the iconic Appalachian Trail.
The Shared Experience / Flickr
It's easy to be inspired by this kind of beauty.
Nick Gallop / Flickr
But it's also a place that can strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest souls.
Bemep / Flickr
Much like Tolkien's Mordor...
Bemep / Flickr

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It's a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Especially the narrow trail across Katahdin's Knife Edge...
Jack Heddon / Flickr
Where jagged granite cliffs falls thousands of feet on either side of you.
Jack Heddon / Flickr
Once you've conquered Katahdin, you can move on to Baxter's gentler side: miles and miles of green wilderness reminiscent of The Shire. With its beautiful cascading falls...
Flickr/Katahdin Stream Falls/Houser
And shimmering waterways...
Jim Liestman / Flickr
And strange creatures...
U.S. Department of the Interior / Flickr
And mossy forests...
Patsy Wooters / Flickr
And crooked paths to nowhere. It's hard to believe this is all real. But it is. And it's ours.
The Shared Experience / Flickr

If you weren’t a fan of Lord of the Rings before, we hope you are now knowing that the kind of beauty and terror described in the book is real…and it exists right here in Maine. Let’s write another chapter together – tell us your best Baxter State Park experiences!

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