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Maine
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Maine State Parks

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USA Parks
Maine
Inland Region
Baxter State Park
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Baxter State Park Summer at Baxter State Park © Alana Ranney
Beautiful summers day at Baxter State Park.
Baxter State Park © Kathryn E. OConnell
Baxter State Park © Kathryn E. OConnell
Baxter State Park © daveynin / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Baxter Park Road, Baxter State Park, Maine
Baxter State Park © daveynin / CC BY 2.0
Baxter State Park © Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park, Maine
Baxter State Park © Kathryn E. OConnell
Baxter State Park Baxter State Park © Mary McNally
On the trail toward Russel Pond, we stopped to check out this beautiful view of the mountains.
Baxter State Park © Kathryn E. OConnell
Baxter State Park © Kathryn E. OConnell
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BAXTER STATE PARK
BAXTER STATE PARK
64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, Maine   04462
(lat:46.0273 lon:-68.9428) map location

Phone: 207-723-5140
Baxter State Park is the result of a dream of former Governor Percival P. Baxter who donated the first parcel of land in 1931 and over the years added various parcels until his final acquisition in 1962 brought the Parks area to 201,018 acres. Since then, the Authority has purchased and been gifted additional acreage to bring the Park to its current size of 209,644 acres. In addition to the various gifts of land, Governor Baxter also left two sizeable trust funds to carry out the operation and maintenance of the Park without the need for state funding.

While Baxter State Park bears the name State like many parks it is separately administered, free from any connection with the larger State Park system Bureau of Parks and Lands/Dept. of Conservation. The Baxter State Park Authority, a three-person authority consisting of the Attorney General, the Director of the Maine Forest Service and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has full power in the control and management of the Park and in the exercise of all Trust obligations.
History of the Area
Percival P. Baxter was governor of Maine during the years of 1921-1924. He enjoyed fishing and vacationing in the Maine woods throughout childhood and his affection for the land and Maines wildlife were instrumental in his creation of a park for people of the State of Maine. He began to fulfill his dream of a park in the year 1930, with the purchase of almost 6,000 acres of land, including Katahdin, Maines highest peak. In 1931, Baxter formally donated the parcel to the State of Maine with the condition that it be kept forever wild. Over the years, Governor Baxter purchased additional lands and pieced his park together, transaction by transaction. He made his final purchase in 1962 download map. Since then,additional purchases and land gifts have increased the Parks total size to 209,644 acres. About 75 of the Park 156,874 acres is managed as a wildlife sanctuary. In the northwest corner of the Park 29,537 acres about 14 of the Park was designated by Governor Baxter to be managed as the Scientific Forest Management Area. In addition, about 25 of the Park 52,628 acres is open to hunting and trapping with the exception that Moose hunting is prohibited in the Park.
Swimming
1. Baxter State Park offers numerous ponds and lakes for swimming, including Daicey Pond and Kidney Pond.
2. The park's natural bodies of water provide refreshing swims in a scenic environment.
3. Lower South Branch Pond has a sandy beach suitable for families with children to swim safely.
4. Nesowadnehunk Stream is another popular spot among visitors who enjoy wilder waters over calm lake surfaces.
5. Swimming at Togue Ponds provides stunning views of Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine.

6. Swimming options are seasonal due to weather conditions; typically available from late spring through early fall.

7. No lifeguards are on duty so swimmers should exercise caution when entering any body of water within the park.

8. Canoes or kayaks can be rented near many swimming spots like Daicey and Kidney Ponds adding more fun activities besides swimming.


9. Remember that some areas may have restrictions during certain times due to wildlife protection efforts by the state park authorities.



10. Always check current local regulations before planning your trip as rules regarding outdoor recreation might change seasonally.




Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, with several ponds including Daicey, Kidney and Lower South Branch providing excellent spots to paddle. Motorized boats aren't allowed in the park's waters to maintain tranquility and protect wildlife habitats. Boat rentals are available at some campgrounds like Roaring Brook or Katahdin Stream during summer months.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in pristine ponds and rivers, home to brook trout. Ice-fishing is popular during winter months on Daicey Pond.

Kidney Pond offers rowboat rentals for a relaxing day of angling amidst beautiful scenery.

Fly fishers can test their skills against the elusive landlocked salmon found within Nesowadnehunk Stream's rushing waters.

For those seeking larger catches, Lower Togue pond boasts lake trout and white perch populations.

Remember that all anglers must adhere to state regulations regarding seasons, bag limits, size restrictions etc., ensuring sustainable practices are maintained throughout these natural habitats.


Location
Baxter State Park is

Picnicking
1. Baxter State Park offers numerous picnic spots with stunning views of mountains, forests and lakes.
2. Picnic tables are available at several trailheads for convenience.
3. You can enjoy a riverside picnic at Abol Beach or Nesowadnehunk Field Campground.
4. The park allows picnicking along hiking trails but encourages carrying out all trash to preserve the environment.
5. Roaring Brook is another popular spot for outdoor meals amidst nature's beauty in the park.

Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy over 200 species in the park, including raptors and songbirds. Guided birding tours are available. The best time for bird watching is during spring migration season or early summer when birds nest and raise their young.

The park's diverse habitats - from wetlands to forests - attract a variety of avian life. Visitors might spot owls, woodpeckers, warblers among others on hiking trails such as Daicey Pond Nature Trail.

For those interested in waterfowl spotting, visit Togue Pond Gatehouse area where ducks like Common Loons reside.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 28 Favorite
park review stars; one to five I have travelled to a lot of state and national parks and Baxter if one of the best.
April 14 AWESOM!!!! by Emily
park review stars; one to five This is very wonderful state park. I would come back angain!!
April 11 Favorite Place by Kristen
park review stars; one to five Its a great place to go hiking and camping. You can climb Katahdin in the summertime. Maines tallest mountain!!!
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