Baxter State Park
Encyclopedia : B : BA : BAX : Baxter State Park
''"The works of man are short-lived. Monuments decay, buildings crumble and wealth vanishes, but Katahdin in its massive grandeur will forever remain the mountain of the people of Maine. Throughout the ages it will stand as an inspiration to the men and women of the state."
-Percival P. Baxter
Baxter State Park is a major park located in north-central Maine and home to the state's highest peak, Mount Katahdin.
Katahdin is a Penobscot Indian word meaning "Greatest Mountain". The Park was a gift to the people of Maine from Gov. Percival P. Baxter. Baxter Park Headquarters is located over twenty miles from the actual park in the small town of Millinocket. There are no stores or gas stations inside the park. Access and use is strictly regulated due to Gov. Baxter's desire to keep the Park "forever wild."
Inside the Park boundary there is no electricity, running water, or paved roads. Even the use of two-way radios, stereos, and cell phones is banned, to keep the wilderness feel. Winter hiking in the 205,000 acre (830 km²) park is strictly regulated, but increasingly popular. The Park is open to overnight camping from May 15th to October 15th. See information on the Park's website for information on the recent reservation policy change. Only northbound long distance Appalachian Trail hikers can stay in the Park without reservations. But even they are limited to one night's stay at The Birches camping area, and spaces there are limited to the first twelve hikers to sign in at an information kiosk several southbound trail miles away just inside the Park's southern boundary. In addition to hiking and camping, the Park allows limited hunting and fishing, some snowmobile access, and operates a small scientific forestry project.
External links
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