Baxter
State Park Information
Baxter State Park, a
wilderness area of 204,733 acres in the Katahdin region of Maine, was a
gift to the State of Maine by former Gov. Percival P. Baxter. In 1930 he
made his first land purchase of 5,960 acres which included Katahdin, the
highest mountain in Maine. This land was given to the State in 1931. By
resolve of the Maine Legislature in 1933, the area was officially
designated as Baxter State Park and the summit of Katahdin was named
"Baxter Peak" in his honor. His final gift of 7,764 acres was made in
1962. Purchases after Governor Baxter's death have increased park acreage
to a current size of 204,733 acres. The Park is a paradise for the
naturalist, mountain climber, hiker, and photographer. Many orchids,
ferns, alpine and other plants grow in abundance for the botanist.
Geologists will find interest in Baxter's rhyolite, Katahdin granite and
many fossil types. Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find a
variety of wildlife to pursue.
There
are 46 mountain peaks and ridges, 18 of which exceed an elevation of 3,000
feet, the highest being Baxter Peak at 5,267 feet. The Park is
intersected by about 175 miles of trails. The information contained in
this brief introduction to the Park is not adequate for extended hiking or
climbing. For your own safety, do not leave the Park tote road without a
detailed map of the area to be traversed. Maps may be obtained at
Campgrounds, Millinocket Headquarters, or the Visitor Center at Togue
Pond.
More Baxter State Park & Maine Links:
Baxter
State Park information. Find hiking and climbing information for Mt. Katahdin and
snowmobiling trails and winter usage info, too.
