One Of Maine's Best State Parks Boasts Incredible Wildlife And Nature Views

Whether you're looking for colorful fall foliage, a chance to climb a mountain, some fantastic hikes, or some paddling and fishing, Maine has the perfect location for you. This state is known for outdoor adventures, and you can find endless nature activities in Baxter State Park in Millinocket, Maine. This 200,000-acre state park is the largest in Maine and has a massive 215 miles of hiking trails. That includes trails on the state's tallest mountain, Mount Katahdin. Not for the faint of heart, summiting this mountain and returning to the base can take you around 12 hours (though you can camp at Chimney Pond halfway up). The park also includes tent campsites, cabins, and backcountry spots; canoe rentals right on the ponds; and endless views. In fact, if you're visiting in the fall, the foliage is gorgeous. Wildlife thrives in Baxter as well. Birders can see great grey owls, bald eagles, double-crested cormorants, and loggerhead shrikes. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers might spy white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, beaver colonies, coyotes, red foxes, bobcats, lynx, martens, and snowshoe hares.

As a Tripadvisor reviewer said of the park, "For us, this was easily one of the most beautiful places we've ever been; I can't imagine giving Baxter State Park any less than 5 big fat stars. Remote, pristine, peaceful, and so full of variety!" There are no entrance fees in the winter at the time of this writing, and the summer fee for non-Maine residents is $20, or $50 for a season pass. Baxter State Park is around three hours by car from Portland, Maine, and 20 miles from the Millinocket Municipal Airport. It's about 90 miles from Bangor International Airport, and it's worth stopping in Bangor, Maine's lesser-known city and the home of horror author Stephen King due to its few crowds and lots to do. 

Hiking is huge in Baxter State Park. However, it's important to know how to do so safely, especially if you're doing a solo hike. There are endless trails, but the big one is summiting the 5,267-foot Katahdin. If you plan on doing that, which can take you all day, you have to have a Katahdin Trailhead Pass in advance, which costs $10 at the time of writing. This isn't an easy hike, with elevation reaching around 4,000 feet. Since this can take 12 hours, you should reserve parking at the trailhead beforehand and register at one of the gatehouses. The park recommends bringing a good topographical map, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra layers, a flashlight or headlamp (which is required), a first aid kit, matches or a lighter, a repair kit, at least two quarts of water, and extra food. The extra food is especially important because it can help you avoid bonking or hitting a wall on the hike from glycogen depletion.

Another challenging trail is the 5.5-mile out-and-back Abol Trail with a 3,349-foot elevation gain. This one involves some scrambling, so make sure you have the right shoes. Bug spray is also a good idea. The Chimney Pond Trail is more moderate at 6.3 miles out-and-back, with a 1,473-foot elevation gain. You'll go through a glacial bowl and some incredible mountainous scenery; trekking poles aren't a bad idea for some of the steeper sections. For an easier hike, you can see some waterfalls along the Little and Big Niagara Falls via the Appalachian Trail. Although the Appalachian Trail is long, the journey to these falls is only 2.4 miles out-and-back with a small, 180-foot gain. If you prefer checking out the scenery on a bike, you can do so on Park Tote Road and the Dwelley Pond Trail.

If you want to spend time in this lovely wilderness, you may want to camp in Baxter State Park. You can pick up supplies in nearby Millinocket and enjoy some rustic outdoor experiences. Campgrounds are open for tents from mid-May through mid-October, and bunkhouses and cabins are open in the winter (though those are best for experienced campers). Whether you're camping or simply visiting for the day, in the summer, you can rent a canoe for around $1 per hour or $8 per day on the honor system at each pondside campground. 

During the warm-weather months, pack a lunch to hit the picnic shelter at Abol Pond and Togue Pond Beach, where you can also do some swimming. The Dwelley Pond Shelter is a great spot for birding and viewing wildlife like moose and deer (going in the morning or evening will increase your chances of a sighting). The park even has a bird list on its website. If you plan on some animal photography, however, take a look at the park's link for ethics while photographing wildlife. Some great spots for this activity include Sandy Stream Pond and Stump Pond. However, while you're there, make sure to keep your distance from any animals for your own safety and to keep the wildlife from becoming too used to humans. Stop by the visitor center to get more recommendations for where to spot the animals. You can also do some fishing in the park if you have a valid license.