Blazes:
Nearly all of the 180 miles of trails are blue-blazed. The only exception is the white blazed Appalachian Trail.
Weather Condition Classifications for Hiking and Day Use
May 15th to October 15th
- Class 1 Open. Weather conditions favorable for day use and climbing.
- Class 2 Open but not recommended for climbing. Weather conditions favorable but changing.
- Class 3 Open but not recommended; one or more trails closed, trails closed by Ranger when setting the class day.
- Class 4 Mandatory closure of all trails at the trailheads. ALL Katahdin and Traveler Mt. trails closed at trailheads.
The Ranger at Chimney Pond is responsible for determining the class day of Katahdin.
Trail Classifications:
Rated on relative difficulty:
( I )=easy well graded mostly level.
( II )=moderately difficult, rough and rocky footing, steep in places, proper footwear and hiking. experience required
( III )=very difficult, rugged, prolonged steepness, may be inherently dangerous.
( IV )=always dangerous, may present technical climbing obstacles.
Winter use Classification Policy
Objective: To reduce personal injury to the public users of Baxter State Park during the winter camping season by using a daily coding system based on current weather and projected weather forecasts.
Color Coding to classify winter weather conditions;
Green = Weather conditions favorable for day-use and climbing.
Yellow = Weather conditions favorable but deteriorating conditions.
Red* = Park use is restricted or terminated when:
- Actual temperature is -30 F or colder.
- Wind chill is -50 F or colder.
- Rain/sleet conditions exist.
- A major snowstorm is in progress.
Winter Class 4:
Park use is restricted or terminated when:
Campers in outlying campgrounds are restricted to bunkhouse facilities.
If you are winter camping please bring an outdoor thermometer and wind chill chart.
BSP`swind chill chart and code red wind chill temperature have been updated to reflect the National Weather Service new wind chill formulas.
* Campers in outlying campgrounds are restricted to bunkhouse facilities.
All overnight users of Baxter State Park will stop at Park Headquarters in Millinocket, or the closest inhabited Ranger station, for weather forecast and code-day information:
One (1) outdoor thermometer and one (1) wind chill chart are necessary equipment for winter camping parties.
TRAILS
Appalachian Trail:
A 2150 mile length
from Georgia that terminates at the Baxter Peak summit of Katahdin.
Abol Trail:
3.8 miles/3hr
ele.gain3300`
( III / IV )
The oldest route, however be very cautious on the Abol Slide. With loose rocks and the degree of steepness, this route can be very dangerous.
Follows a Southwestern slope from Abol Campground.
Very steep slopes will be encountered before getting to the table land 1/4 mile below Thoreau Spring, junctioning with the Hunt Trail and Baxter Peak Cutoff. Turn right 1 mile for the summit. Not recommended for descent.
Baxter Peak Cutoff:
0.9 mil/40 min.( II )
A safe shortcut in rough weather while traveling between Chimney Pond and Western slopes.
Cathedral Trail:1.4 miles 2½ hours, / elevation gain 2300` (lll)
9/14/00
This would be a fun and challenging route. Starting at Roaring Brook, proceeding to Chimney Pond, from there up Cathedral Trail. After a brief skip through the woods you hit a boulder field and climb steadily upwards from there. With an elevation gain of 3300` its definitely a workout and I wouldn`t recommend this for descent. The views of the basin and surrounding area are spectacular.
From there on to the summit and if there is good weather head out across 1.1 mile Knife Edge. Just remember once you head out across Knife Edge Trail there is no way off if weather goes down the tubes.
Towards the end of the trail you will go into what they call the (notch or chimney) in my opinion the hardest part to the whole trail. From the Chimney you will proceed to Pamola, then I would go down Helon Tayler Trail...this can be a long arduous trail but it beats the alternative of going down Dudley which is not recommended for descent.
Helon will bring you back onto the Chimney Pond Trail almost where you started.
Chimney Pond Trail:
3.3 mil 2 1/2 hr/
ele. gain 1400`( II )
A direct route into the South Basin starts at Roaring Brook campground. Along the way some very nice vistas, especially Lower Basin Pond.
Chimney Pond on descent to Roaring Brook, 2 hrs.
Dudley Trail:
1.4 mil 2hr/
elev. gain 2000` ( III )
A direct route to Pamola, this is a unforgiving climb up the north side. The trail starts left of the Rangers cabin at Chimney Pond Campground. You will encounter huge boulders, with the ascent becoming quite steep. A (path) leads at .03 mil. to the left,climbing along this side path can be quite difficult but the caverns at the end makes the trip worthwhile. Back at the signpost The Dudley continues its relentless vertical ascent with hand over hand climbing, eventually going over the lip. From there you will be going around and over car size boulders eventually angling your way to the summit.
Awesome views but the trail is exposed to the worst weather so should be avoided.
This trail will take its toll on you so set your own pace, Dudley should be avoided on descent and also with large packs.
Grassy Pond Trail:
1.3 mil/ 45 min.
( I ) A warming up trail thats a part of a 3 mile/ 2 hour loop
with the AT from Katahdin Stream Campground.
Hamlin Ridge Trail:
1.5 mil/ 2 1/2 hr
elev. gain 1800` ( III )
From the North Basin Trail from Chimney Pond, you will, after a brief climb through the forest reach open rock. Ascent will now become steep, up the rugged center ridge of the great basin.
Terrain is alot less rocky than most of the other high trails on Katahdin. Hamlin Peak will be reached in about two hours. Everything pretty much levels out from there to Caribou Spring and the junction with North Peaks and NW Basin Trails.
Helon Taylor Trail:
3.2 mil/ 3 1/2 hr
elev. gain 3400` ( III )
A direct route to Pamola from Roaring Brook Campground. Starts out on a slow uneventfull ascent, then gradually becoming steeper with boulders and footing getting more pecarious. On reaching Keep Ridge the views are outstanding as you approach Pamola, with Knife Edge in the background.
Don`t be mislead, this trail with its length of 3.2 miles is exceptionally arduous and with the constant climbing over rocks and boulders, can be quite demanding. This trail would better serve you going up, at least your fresh then head back on the Dudley or Saddle Trails, going down Helon Taylor is a hard way to finish the day.
Hunt Trail:
5.2 mil/ 5 hr
elev. gain 4150` ( III )
Follow the white AT blazes from Katahdin Stream Campground along the north side of the river for 1.1 mile to where the Owl Trail bears left. Just beyond here you will go over a log bridge and turn left up ledges 200 yards to Katahdin Stream Falls. After going through the forest for 1.5 miles you come across a cave made by two boulders.
Next a boulder field, then Hunts Spur becoming very steep and difficult. Upon reaching the Tableland The Hunt Trail continues for 1 mile to the summit.
Knife Edge Trail:
1.1 mil/ 1 3/4 hr.
( IV )
Some consider if you haven`t done the Knife Edge you haven`t climbed Katahdin. This is an outstanding trail with limitless views however it can be the most dangerous.
High winds or inclement weather can make this route impassable if not deadly. With the trail only being a few feet wide in places, there is no way off when a decision has been made to cross. There is a 20` notch between The Chimney and Chimney Peak, presenting a major obstacle. Making passage with large packs almost impossible. With some hand over hand climbing, hiking this in a group is advisable and can be very helpful getting over some of the longer reaches. The mile long trail between Baxter Peak and Pamola has very steep slopes on both sides. If attempting this, start early and keep an eye on the weather.
Little Abol Falls Trail:
0.8 mil/ 30 min.
( I )
A beautiful 15 foot waterfall is an easy walk for people of all ages, starting at Abol Campground. Bring a lunch, have a picnic, plan on a couple of hours round trip.
North Basin Trail:
1 mil/ 45 min.
( II) For some terrific views this trail starts at .03 of a mile from Chimney Pond Campground. Starts with a brief bit of steepness then gets fairly level. After encountering some forest, hiked over a few boulders, then through some open brush you will reach Blueberry Knoll for the outstanding views of the North & South Basins including the surrouding area.
North Basin Cutoff:
0.7 mil/ 1 hr.
elev. gain 500`
( II )
A direct route into the North Basin from Basin Ponds. After leaving Chimney Pond Trail 2.3 mil. from Roaring Brook Campground you will go by some beaver ponds then climb steeply to its junction with North Basin Trail 0.3 mil south of Blueberry Knoll. With an elev. of 3073`you will have some spectacular views of the surounding areas of the North & South Basins.
NorthPeaks Trail:
6.9 mil/6 hr.
( III )
This trail is NO LONGER maintained as a park trail beyond the actual North Peaks., it is only maintained from the NW Basin Trail into Davis Pond.
This trail crosses the northern extent of the Katahdin masif.
The first of Howe Peaks is just above 60` cliffs of the North Basin. Be very careful as to not to stray from the trail during cloudy weather. Second peak will be encountered 1/2 mile further then drops to a knob and the timberline before heading toward the Russell Pond Campground.
Northwest Basin Trail:
8.3 mil/7 hr.
( III )
Trail begins near Saddle Springs then descends to a low point between Baxter and Hamlin Peaks. After climbing through krumholz and tundra, you will see the junction with Hamlin Ridge. Now following the cairns on the northern tableland to a summit on the North Western Plateau ( 4410` ). Then heading North to the timberline and some wet footing you will arrive at the NW Basin. 1/2 a mile later a large cairn on the Monument Line will be seen, this area has some comanding views of the entire basin. After following the NW Basin Brook the trail ends at Russell Pond Campground.
Russell Pond Trail:
7.1 mil/4 hr.
( II )
Hiking along the eastern slopes of Katahdin this trail will lead you into the heart of Baxter State Park. From Roaring Brook Campground head over the wooden bridge and with mud underfoot for a little over a mile. You will then junction up with the Sandy Stream Pond Trail. With just a few minutes passed you will encounter a nice vantage point on the shores of Whidden Pond. After that the trail pretty much stays in the woods until reaching Russell Pond Campground.
Saddle Trail:
2.2mil. 2 1/2 hr.
elev. gain 2350`
( III )
This the best route to take for the novice, its by no means easy, however its the better of the lot.
The trail starts at Chimney Pond, heading west for a mile where you will reach Saddle Slide, which is or can be treacherous, with loose gravel and rocks under foot you must use care not only for yourself but anyone that may be below you. The Tableland Jct. will be reached next, turn south heading at a steady ascent for about a mile to the summit. When on the Tableland you will be exposed to the full force of the weather. Being flat with no cover you should avoid this during wet and windy weather.
Sandy Stream Pond Trail:
1.4 mil./1 hr.
( I )
If looking for a relaxing hike this is a great one. Leaving Roaring Brook Campground, the walk remains fairly level. When you get to a viewpoint known as the Big Rock you can watch moose in the evening at the pond. From there you go another 3/4 mile to the jct. with South Turner Mountain Trail, then turn west for another 3/4 of a mile to the jct. with Russell Pond trail, 1/3 of a mile south of the Whidden Pond viewpoint and 1.1 miles from the campground. Total hike 3.1 miles. 2 1/2 hours
South Turner Mt. Trail:
1/4 mil. 2 hr.
elev.gain 1600`
( II )
This is a great hike on a clear day, with the views of Katahdin from South Turner. Starting at Roaring Brook Campground proceed to Sandy Stream Pond theres a place known as Big Rock stop by and check it out with some great views of Katahdin with Sandy Stream Pond in the foreground, its a post card view. Soon after that you will encounter a boulder field and huge glacial erratics and moraines. Then a steep ascent for about an hour to a side path at Turner Spring. With sporadic views south on the last half mile you will eventually break out into the open rocky area for the last 100 yards or so to the summit.
Round trip from Roaring Brook Campground is 4.2 miles/ 5 hrs.
The Owl Trail:
2.2 mil./2 hr.
elev. gain 2000`
( III )
Starting from Katahdin Stream Campground, the trail turns to a very steep ascent that can be quite rigorous . After about 1.1 miles turn left off the Hunt Trail and head north through an awesome spruce and fir forest. Soon, about .06 of a mile you will cross a brook then steadily make your ascent to the Owl Summit.
These tools are Essential to a safe hike, inexpensive and invaluable when on the trail.
Maine Mountain Guide : The Hiking Trails of Maine Featuring Baxter State Park
Disclaimer:
I have
tried to put as much detail and accurate information as possible through other
resources and my own experiences on what I have hiked and seen as I climb.
This is in my own opinion and should only be used as a guideline and
NOT to be used as your sole information.
- Know your own physical limitations, as well as the people you are hiking with, before the hike.
- Know your own experience, as well as the people you are hiking with, before the hike.
- Know that hiking, like any outdoor activity has risks, so assume common sense and respect all cautions and guidelines for the land as well as others.
- Use of the information on these pages is at the viewers own risk.
- Due to the ever changing environment I express and disclaim any legal responsibility for any trail or person.