Why Blueberry Ledges Is the Ultimate Summer Hike in Baxter State Park

Hikes typically offer great exercise, stunning views, and no small amount of fresh air. Fresh food, on the other hand, isn’t usually included. Or waterslides, for that matter (and natural waterslides at that). But, for those looking for a bit of fresh fruit and a big surprise at the end of their hike in the form of sliding down a wet rock into a swimming hole, then the Blueberry Ledges Trail in Maine is the perfect summer stop for you!

The hike is part of Baxter State Park, named for Percival Proctor Baxter, who made it his mission to protect Maine’s forest and other natural landscapes. Full of birds and deer as well as bears and moose, the park covers 209,644 acres of land, but the out-and-back Blueberry Ledges Trail only covers eight miles of this. Overall, it takes about three and a half hours to complete, but that length can vary. A popular hike due to the forest, river, and waterfall views, this trail is more challenging than some would expect due to the rocky terrain and potential slipping problems when the trail gets wet. As always in these cases, sturdy footwear is a must.

Getting there, you’ll notice many man-made (or cow-made, if the tales are to be believed) trails to various parts of the river, but if you keep a close eye on the blazes and trail markers, you’ll eventually reach the ledges and find a sign for the swimming hole. The granite ledges here are smooth and positioned in a way where water runs over them well enough to create natural waterslides. The slides can be more slippery than you’d think, and are an excellent surprise at the end of a sweaty hike where all you want to do is cool off. However, it is important to remember that there are no lifeguards and that if the water level is high, then it’s best to avoid using the slides just in case. 

When you’re done with your slippery surprise, then you can turn your attention to the blueberries. As the name of the trail reflects, this hike is absolutely full of wild blueberries during the summer. You’ll notice that these blueberries are quite a bit smaller and bluer than the ones you’d see in a grocery store. But although you might feel as if you’re getting less bang for your buck (or, effort, in this case), wild blueberries are known to be absolutely loaded with antioxidants and are believed to help with blood pressure issues, among other health concerns. 

But, maybe you’re not into blueberries. Or not waterslides either? Luckily, the hike itself is enough of a surprise on its own, with diverse plant life dotting the edges of forests and rivers all within view of the tallest mountain in Maine. As Percival Baxter said, “Man is born to die, his works are short-lived. Buildings crumble, monuments decay, wealth vanishes. But Katahdin, in all its glory, forever shall remain the mountain of the people of Maine.” This quote will forever ring true through Maine’s beautiful, protected landscapes and the hikes, like the Blueberry Ledge Trail, within.