Baxter State Park, Natural wilderness in Piscataquis County, Maine, United States.
Baxter State Park is a nature reserve of 209,501 acres in Piscataquis County, Maine, that includes Mount Katahdin at 5,267 feet (1,606 meters), numerous lakes, and waterfalls. The area stretches across a vast forested terrain with trails, campsites, and a rugged landscape of rock and streams.
Governor Percival P. Baxter founded the area on March 3, 1931, through an initial land donation and expanded it until 1962 with further gifts to form a large protected zone. His vision was to preserve a wild space for the people of Maine, free from commercial development.
The northern end of the Appalachian Trail sits here and draws hikers who reach their goal after months of travel along the eastern seaboard. Many mark the moment at the summit of Mount Katahdin with photographs and brief celebrations before beginning the long descent.
Visitors must reserve campsites in advance as capacity is limited and demand remains high especially in summer. Access roads are unpaved and can become slippery during rain, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.
The area operates outside Maine's official state park system and funds itself through an endowment, visitor fees, and revenue from sustainably managed forest sections. This independence allows strict rules such as bans on audio devices and commercial facilities to preserve quietness.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
