Tag: mt katahdin

  • Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park

    Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park

    Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park in Maine is a key location on the Appalachian Trail (AT).

    Baxter State Park is home to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the 2,190+ mile trail. Thru-hikers either begin or conclude their Appalachian Trail journey at Baxter Peak, the summit of Mount Katahdin.

    My four kids and I along with extra friends spent a lot of time at Baxter State Park. Climbing Mt Katahdin is unforgettable and a yearly repeated hiking tradition. But lots of other mountains and smaller foot hills to hike and conquer as you collect the different trail experiences. Growing up less than a hour away means tapping into the natural beauty and majesty of Baxster State Park / Mt Katahdin was right in my backyard.

    Have you seen the movie Lost On A Mountain In Maine?

    80 miles, 9 days and lost on Mt Katahdin and wandering around the Baxter State Park and beyond. The movie, a true story based on the story that swept the nation back in the summer of 1939.

    Donn Fendler, a 12 year old Boy Scout lost his hiking party and found himself alone, wet, cold, tired and deeply lost in the woods around Baxter State Park while climbing Mt Katahdin in Piscataquis County Maine.

    Watch The Trailer For Lost On A Mountain In Maine!

    Hear, see Donn Fendler himeself reflect on what happened and his experience that had a happy ending.

    Share your experience with Mt Katahdin, the hiking personal tales you have at Baxter State Park.

    hiking baxter state park
    Hiking Baxter State Park. Which Trails Do You Use The Most And Pick To Hike?
    Climbing Mt Katahdin In Baxter State Park With Your Kids. Priceless.
    Climbing Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park Trails With Your Kids. Like You Did With Your Parents. Priceless.
    Table Land Above The Tree Line On Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.
    Feel The Breeze, See The Moisture Clouds Floating By? The Tableland Of Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.
    baxter park mt katahdin
    Heading Up Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park’s “Saddle”.

    Lots of trails, which one to pick depends on the age, the size of your climbing party as you head to Baxter State Park.

    baxter state park
    Baxter State Park. No Burger King, No Mickey Dees. Just Wildlife. No Vehicles, No People, Just Four Seasons All Natural Scenery.

    Where to begin?

    Mountains in Baxter State Park:

    Baxter State Park boasts over 40 mountain peaks and ridges within its boundaries. Notable mountains include:

    1. Mount Katahdin:
      • Comprises five main peaks:
        • Baxter Peak (the highest at 5,269 feet)
        • Hamlin Peak
        • Pamola Peak
        • South Peak
        • Chimney Peak
    2. Other Peaks:
      • Mount Coe
      • South Brother and North Brother
      • Fort Mountain
      • Doubletop Mountain
      • The Owl

    These mountains surrounding the crown jewel Mt Katahdin in Baxter State Park are breath taking.

    Each provides a mix of hiking challenges, from strenuous climbs to more moderate trails, and offer stunning views of Maine’s wilderness. The park is renowned for its rugged beauty and commitment to preserving its natural state, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

    Starting a family hiking journey in Baxter State Park and working your way up to Mount Katahdin is an excellent plan! Here’s a guide to gradually build up experience and confidence, taking into account age, weather, and time constraints:


    1. Start Small: Horse Mountain

    • Trail Overview: A short hike (about 2 miles round trip) with moderate elevation gain, suitable for young children and beginners. 1400′ high. Start with this one my advice from experience.
    • Highlights: Scenic views without being too strenuous. Perfect for getting the family used to trails and rewarding vistas. The entire family can hike. Little hikers don’t have to stay home.
    • Tips: Bring snacks and let kids take breaks. Make it about the journey, not just the destination. Bring friends too to follow the blue dotted dash trail markets up and down the trails.

    2. Intermediate Hikes: Gradual Progression

    For families with younger children or when weather or time is limited, Baxter State Park offers excellent “in-between” trails:

    South Turner Mountain

    • Trail Overview: Moderate hike (about 4.5 miles round trip) with excellent views of Katahdin and wildlife spotting opportunities.
    • Best For: Kids with a bit more endurance. A great next step after Horse Mountain.

    Blueberry Ledges

    • Trail Overview: A fun, easier trail with a round-trip of around 3.5 miles, offering waterfalls, forest views, and ledges to explore.Maine Blueberries, Wild Ones.
    • Best For: Kids who love variety and shorter distances.

    Ledge Falls

    • Trail Overview: Not a hike, but a fun family spot where kids can enjoy sliding down the natural rock water slides.
    • Best For: Hot summer days when hiking might be too exhausting. Work your way up to longer trails, steeper Baxter State Park mountain options.

    3. Advanced Preparation: Mount Katahdin

    When your family is ready, tackling Katahdin is a monumental achievement. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. You might choose from these popular trails:

    Saddle Trail (via Chimney Pond)

    • Trail Overview: The most family-friendly ascent to Katahdin’s summit, but still requires good preparation.
    • Distance: About 10 miles round trip.
    • Best For: Families with teens or older children who have experience hiking and can handle longer, more strenuous climbs.

    Hunt Trail (Appalachian Trail)

    • Trail Overview: Classic but steep and exposed. Amazing views!
    • Distance: About 10.4 miles round trip.
    • Best For: Fit, experienced family members comfortable with rock scrambling.

    Rainy/Time-Limited Days in Baxter State Park

    • Kid-Friendly Nature Trails: Explore interpretive trails like the Daicey Pond Loop (1 mile) or Sandy Stream Pond (0.5 miles) for wildlife watching.
    • Relaxing by the Water: Spend a day by Kidney Pond or Daicey Pond fishing, canoeing, or just soaking in the scenery.
    • Camping Adventures: Book a night at a family-friendly campsite, like those at Roaring Brook or Abol Campground.

    Tips for Hiking with a Family:

    1. Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and park guidelines.
    2. Pack Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and layers.
    3. Set Realistic Goals: Know everyone’s limits and be prepared to turn back if needed.
    4. Celebrate Small Wins: Let kids enjoy smaller accomplishments as stepping stones to bigger challenges like Katahdin.

    This approach allows your family to build hiking confidence and create lasting memories in one of Maine’s most beautiful natural areas!

    maine mount katahdin photo
    Maine’s Highest Mountain, MT Katahdin. Located In Forever Wild Baxter State Park. Snow Comes Early, Stays Late On This Almost Mile High Mountain Top.

    Hope you plan to hike and bring your family to start the outdoor tradition trail, mountain climbing in Maine.

    Enjoy the movie Lost On A Mountain in Maine with your family. I would love to hear questions and can share my experiences from many trips to Baxter State Park, Mt Katahdin growing up, with my own kids and now as grandchildren pop into the picture.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

    207.532.6573 |  info@mooersrealty.com  | 

    MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA

  • Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park

    Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park

    Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.

    Maine’s highest mountain and the source of hiking, camping joy for many. Photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone wanting to be smack dab in the middle of nature all return again and again to Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.

    Climbing Mt Katahdin In Baxter State Park With Your Kids. Priceless.
    Climbing Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park Trails With Your Kids. Like You Did With Your Parents. Priceless.

    This Maine blog post is to highlight Mt Katahdin, the dream of Governor Percival Baxter ad the jewel for so many in love with her majesty.

    First off the facts about Mt Katahdin, the corner stone of Baxter State Park.

    Mt Katahdin is horse shoe shaped, with five separate granite peaks.

    Howe Peak (North Howe is 4612′, South Howe is 4734′). Pamola Peak is 4912′. Hamlin Peak is 4751′. Baxter Peak is 5267′ and Mount Katahdin’s highest point.

    I learned early in my childhood about the wonder of Mt Katahdin at Baxter State Park.

    My parents bought a JC Higgin’s canvas tent and along with my three older brothers, the family would go on sleep overs at Baxter State Park.

    We all had jobs from setting up the tent with the front screen “porch”, gathering fire wood, helping prepare or clean up camp fire meals. Mt Katahdin herself only represents about 16% of the hiking trails at Baxter State Park.

    Like I did with my four kids, as a little shaver Horse Mountain was the first peak to conquer.

    Slowly working the way up to the main attraction, Mt Katahdin which means “Greatest Mountain” named by the Penobscot Indian Nation.

    You don’t just hop off a couch and decide to climb Mt Katahdin.

    Starting off slowly on a smaller elevation before tackling Mt Katahdin is a safe idea. Plan on an 8 to 12 hour day of climbing, rest and snack stops.

    Mt Katahdin is the first stop on Appalachian Trail heading north to south.

    Ending up in Georgia, nearly 2200 miles away. Mt Katahdin is not a easy climb.

    Nearly vertical and twisting with granite boulders. there are places on Abol Trail with metal bars to grab and maneuver around, over or under giant rocks that make up Mt Katahdin.

    Before you plan you day of climbing Mt Katahdin or any of the trails, make sure these hiking considerations are covered in your group preparations.

    Secure a parking reservation. Here’s how to get hold of the folks at Baxter State Park for any climb, your dream of tackling Mt Katahdin. Check your local weather forecast for the Baxter Park area. The park rules limit your party size to a dozen hikers.

    Stay on the trails to avoid being mentioned in search and rescue headlines in the local newspapers.

    If you are not at the peak of say Mt Katahdin by mid afternoon, plan to reverse your direction and begin the trail climb descent. Being caught up on a Maine mountain of any size in the dark is not the memorable adventure most are seeking. It’s all about safety first, middle and last on your climb up Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.

    For every five children, there must be an adult connected to the buddy system of trail climb hiking in Baxter State Park.

    Mt Katahdin, Stay On The Baxter State Park Blue Dash Trail Markers.
    Follow The Light Blue Dashes Marking The Baxter State Park / Mt Katahdin Trails.

    Making it back to the base camp should always be your goal, not reaching the top of Mt Katahdin.

    Register your climb at the base trail head. Stay on the trail. Remember before anything else, get your parking reservation. If you don’t have a place to park, you aren’t going hiking that day. If the weather is unsafe, the hiking climb is not going to happen either. There are 82 trails at Baxter State Park and over 220 miles of out of this World hiking adventures ahead.

    Mt Katahdin Hiking Vacations. So Many Trails To Explore And Discover.
    Baxter State Park, A Big Horseshoe Of Granite With Five Main Peaks.

    The incredible views that you slow by sure work for that take time and determination are part of the fun.

    Seeing wildlife, experiences the smells of fresh fir and pine, feeling and hearing the breeze around you. Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park is not a once and done check off of a bucket list item.

    Mt Katahdin especially, South Branch Pond, Knife’s Edge… they all grab your heart strings and you can not shake loose. The toughest trail, Cathedral. The easiest hiking trail on Mt Katahdin? Saddle trail but the most roundabout to pick.

    Table Land Above The Tree Line On Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.
    Feel The Breeze, See The Moisture Clouds Floating By? The Tableland Of Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.

    Whatever the approach to climbing, plan and expect to at least chew up 10 hours or more in your hike of Mt Katahdin. Knife’s Edge with 2000′ vertical drops on a trail that narrows to only four feet wide is something you will never forget. But your hiking squad, the team. Anyone with fear of heights? Wobbly on bad knees or bad back?

    The connection at the top of Mt Katahdin peering out in all directions after traversing the table land, above the tree line, is like no other natural setting.

    Mt Katahdin and her distance north to travel makes the other hikers you meet more dedicated, more committed. Mt Washington is way way closer to attract the Boston area of population.

    No matter how many times you have climbed Mt Katadhin, the feeling of accomplishment, the thrill of what sticking with something surrounded by jaw dropping views everywhere you look never dull. Preparing your year’s vacation in Maine and looking for ideas? Carry in, carry out. Tread lightly on your Mt Katahdin Mountain climb. Have the utmost respect for nature, the wildlife. your surroundings.

    Maine Governor Baxter donated the park, here is his dream.

    mt Katahdin hiking trails
    No People, No Man Made Structures Or Noises. Welcome To Baxter State Park’s Mt Katahdin.

    The element of danger combined with winds, precipitation making rocks slippery are part of the emotional build up working your way to ply  the trails of Mt Katahdin at Baxter State Park.

    Seeing your kids continue the climb up Mt Katahdin and exploring sections of Baxter State Park for return trips. Watching the older ones helping the younger ones hike up the trails. Knowing this introduction to Baxter State Park is a big part of living here and enjoying Maine. It is hard to explain or put into words the admiration for what Governor Percival Baxter envisioned for the local and out of state people visiting Maine.

    Hiking trails in Maine.

    Which ones to pick and put into combination for your hike in Maine?

    Maine Moose Bathing, Eating
    You Are In Their Home Now. Maine Moose Cool Off, Enjoy Vegetation Shoots.

    Hunt, Dudley, Helon Taylor Trails, Chimney Pond, South Branch Pond too are all places you never forget once you experience them first hand. You don’t do the trails alone. Plenty of wildlife to meet along the trail hikes. From snowshoe rabbits to bigger size Maine moose and white tail deer.

    Where you park and start your hike is not always the same place you will finish your day at Baxter State Park.

    How you get from where you start the climb and end it is part of the planning too. My family has had a park ranger say hop in, climb on the back. To ferry the tired but excited bunch of hikers back to our vehicle. Where the talk is totally about the hike, what kind of day we all had and how it compared to past trail experiences.

    Follow The Trail Markers, Stay Sharp Following Signs
    Your Signs, The Hiking Trail Blue Dash Marking. You Are On A Baxter State Park, Mt Katahdin Trail!

    Before long, the discussion all about when to return to Baxter State Park for a day trip visit. Or longer time cut out of the calendar for an overnight camping trip plans are formulated.

    Download the trail maps for Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.

    Plan you next trip to be a mile high in the sky or somewhere else along the trails surrounding your day or longer at Baxter State Park. Pick up the $20 trail Guide to Katahdin, Hiking Baxter State Park. Don’t waste the natural resource splendor of Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park! Exercise, being unplugged and outdoors recharging your mental batteries is why we live or visit Maine.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

    207.532.6573 |  info@mooersrealty.com 

    MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA

     

  • Mini Vacations In Maine

    Mini Vacations In Maine

    Mini vacations in Maine.

    During COVID, the ability to venture up into Maine has been tougher on some states than others. I always remind anyone planning to cross the big green southern bridge to check with www.me.gov . To know for sure who’s on the naughty or nice list and gets a travel pass depending on your state’s high or low coronavirus numbers .

    When you live in Maine, vacations closer to where you live in the state happen a lot.

    family snowmobiling maine trails
    Hearty Lunch, All Fueled Snowmobilers Ready To Hit The Trails! Riding And  Exploring Hidden Communities In Maine.

    You are already here. Being socially distant and practicing safety pandemic protocols is not so hard due to our small Maine population. No traffic or grid lock slowing travel down in Maine. Outdoors any season is the reason we hang our hat in Maine over any other location.

    This past Martin Luther King weekend, a quick trip mini instate vacation to Millinocket Lake happened.

    The New England Outdoor Center is a hidden facility ideal for couples, families, small groups to tap into some Maine recreation.

    My first experience with NEOC was white water rafting the Penobscot River.

    The flow of water out of hydro electric dam controls the speed of the watery ride through Exterminator and other creatively named river locations.

    Paddling hard, digging into the rushing cold river water for right, left or lift directions hollered out by the guy or gal sitting on the back of your bright yellow colored raft. Sometimes it’s “HOLD!” shouted out which means one arm raised high holding your paddle. While other reaches for the short rope secured to the raft floor as a wall of water enters your boat and hits whoever sat up front the hardest of river ride companions.

    My youngest son Elliot was a river guide on the Penobscot River for Northern Outdoors during college summers.

    Working in the River’s Edge Restaurant nights, helping tourists with wet suits and water vests work up an appetite and to stay in the boat days.

    new england outdoor center food
    River Driver’s Restaurant To Fill Your Stomach After Spending A Winter Day Outside.
    maine mini vacations
    Heading To Eat After Tramping Outside On A Maine Winter Day. The River Driver’s NEOC Lodge.

    This weekend no climbing into a raft or holding a paddle. It’s winter which means snowmobiling, cross country skiing. To hike up and down twisting groomed woods trails wearing a pair of snow shoes. Everyone well distanced on the trail. Being a ways up I-95 into the belly of real Maine means less campers, more Maine all to yourself.

    Sections of Millinocket Lake cleared of snow and flooded with water from a couple ice fishing size holes to make it smooth and polished.

    milliinocket lake neoc
    Ice Fishing, Snowmobiling, Pond Hockey, Snowshoeing And Cross Country Skiing. The Frozen Lakes Get The Winter Traffic.

    No Zamboni used to erase the cracks from the outdoor ice surface between spirited pond hockey periods. But I could hear the “he shoots, he scores” from across the lake as my party snow shoed out across it.

    The crunch of snow mixed with the sound of a light wind as fresh clean air fills your lungs. While admiring the Maine’s highest mountain and the supporting cast of foot hills around Mt Katahdin. That rise up and populate Baxter State Park’s forever wild legacy created by one smart, unselfish Maine governor.

    mt katahdin maine
    Any Season, Any Angle, Mount Katahdin Captivates A Person Any Age.

    It was Percival Baxter who knew best the perfect gift to leave behind for the many generations to come to enjoy.

    Outdoor enthusiasts who would make the yearly pilgrimage to the Baxter State Park area via the quickest route available. And for as many times possible to sneak up into Vacationland to unplug and recharge in Maine.

    New England Outdoor Center has other Maine sporting locations too.

    Have stayed in The Forks to paddle down the Dead and Kennebec Rivers. Those trips white water rafting are a change of scenery. But those boat rides don’t begin to compare with the thrill of the maneuvering around rocks and water pockets. Hang on for a fast ride excitement no matter how many times you float fast down the Penobscot River. Check out the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) website for lodging, meal plans, vacation packages.

    maine white water rafting
    Hang On, Get Sprayed, Rushing Through Maine’s Penobscot River Rapids.

    Here’s a quick video of New England Outdoor Center lodging, the setting in Millinocket Maine run and gun collected to share from last weekend’s visit.

    Needing a mini vacation in Maine and way over due?

    Are you getting a little stir crazy and developing cabin fever from the weight and length of the pandemic?

    moose loon lodge neoc
    Moose And Loon Lodge At The New England Outdoor Center, Millinocket ME. One Option To Run Away To Vacationland For A Maine Mini Vacation.

    Need to fill your lungs with fresh clean Maine air?

    Your eyes and ears and nose with the sights and sounds and smells of outdoor all natural Maine?

    There are plenty of options to rent a cabin or stay in a lodge trail side for whatever your favorite outdoor recreation up here in Maine. Maine sure is the way life should be. Pick an area and see the options in your Internet search.

    moose lodge millinocket lake me
    Space Inside, Outside For Your Mini Vacation In Maine. Moose Lodge, Millinocket Lake At New England Outdoor Center.

    Mini vacations in Maine.

    The sheer size of Maine makes the statement sound like an oxymoron. Because travel tiime to get to and from Maine can eat up a big chunk of your small window of time that you wished you could spend in Vacationland.

    mt katahdin maine photo
    Just Shy Of A Mile High, Mt Katahdin In Winter Fly Over.

    It’s like a flight to the moon or a distance planet and so much of the resources of fuel and time are eaten up in the Maine vacation travel mode element.

    I see it when say a real estate buyer from Rhode Island is eight hours away. When they are up to their small camp on forty acres up in Maine and it’s Sunday morning. They are well aware if we don’t get on the road to start the trek back to their home state, it’s going to be a hard week ahead. You can hear the clock ticking as soon as you wake up and have to think about breaking camp up in Maine.

    where to stay in maine vacation
    Where To Stay On Your Maine Vacation? Google It, Lots Of Choices Like The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket Or The West Forks In Maine.

    The older you get the more difficult it becomes to make long road trips.

    Mini vacations in Maine don’t allow enough time and involve a lot of prep work. Gearing up, staying awake, getting all packed up and leaving before the crack of dawn. To race up to Maine arriving very late on a Friday night and trying to jam in as much fun as possible while road weary. Then tearing home, arriving dog tired and exhausted. Trying to rise and shine to get up Monday morning to begin another work week where you lost the weekend to properly prepare for the nine to five. To function on all cylinders in following days back in the dog and pony grind. Trying  to get stretched back into their routine. The one all shook up by how long it takes to get up in, around and down hill back out of Maine.

    snowmobiles rentals maine
    Bring Your Snowsleds, Rent A Snowmobile Up In Maine. Hit The Groomed Trails Either Way!

    Living in Maine full time still means travel to access all her goodness.

    But when you can shave off four, five or more hours of travel time it means an extra refreshing mini vacation. Out of the car and not pinned behind the wheel plying the trails. Seeing the sights, sampling the local food and traditions. Tickling all the senses. The folks that appreciate Maine most often have something very different to compare it to where crime is high. Just like the cost of living. The price you pay in populated centers where folks are not the friendliest and just too many in number on all four sides.

    snow shoeing in maine
    Winter Fun On The Groomed Wood Trails. Do You Own A Pair Of Snowshoes?

    What’s your favorite spot in Maine to return to through out your life?

    What do you hope to do in Maine that is on your bucket list to cross off that you dream about doing? I long for the Canadian US border to open up for free traffic to resume. As a Maine border town on the boundary line, the locals miss how easy it is to leave the country for a day. Winter is a season like all the rest, we are outdoors and not stuck inside. Ever taken a mini vacation in Maine over the winter months?

    maine moose on wall
    Just Hanging Around At Home? Needing A Mini Vacation In Maine?

    Maine, our lower population and big supply of open space awaits to create safe pandemic sensitive vacation options.

    Itching to head north to switch into mini vacation in Maine mode? Quick trips up into Maine. The further you go, the more space and lower the Maine vacation costs you enjoy. Not everyone gets to all four corners of Maine to discover the special places that don’t get the ink. The Maine coastal tourist traps get most of the press and winter recreational fun is lost on snowbirds that beeline out of state to warm climate locations. But for those of us who hang around, that are nestled in the cozy corners of Maine small town living have a blast. You have the trails pretty much to yourself.

    cross country skiing in maine
    Even The Puppy Comes Along On The Cross Country Ski Trails. Winter Fun Outdoors On A Maine Mini Vacation.

    Mini vacations in Maine, is that part of your New Year’s 2021 resolution in the months ahead?

    This past weekend saw lots of folks with the same idea to hole up up in Maine at a sporting retreat. Mini vacations in Maine to cure the suffering of cabin fever. Don’t waste a Maine winter and take advantage of the lodging and meal deals. Exercise outdoors on your mini vacation up in Maine. Lots of options, does not have to cost an arm, leg or duplicate organ. Maine, the way life should be.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

    207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com | 

    MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA

     

  • Baxter State Park, One Neat Source For Recreation, Wildlife, Exercise

    Baxter State Park, One Neat Source For Recreation, Wildlife, Exercise

    Baxter State Park, one beautiful gem that awaits the visit, return trip

    I know lots of people who make it a habit to hike Mt Katahdin and the many other trails around the state’s highest mountain. That do the up and down taking different trails to make it new and different. That hike Mount “K” a couple times a year.

    Baxter State Park
    Baxter Park, Have You Hiked Any Of The Peaks? Been To The Top Of Mt Katahdin, Maine’s Highest Elevation? How Many Times?

    There is something about seeing the snow capped mountain while driving a car and imagining the winding trails that lead to the top from a distance. Baxter State Park, Mt Katahdin like the state of Maine tugs at your heart strings once you get close enough and fall in love with the many outdoor facets of Maine.

    Mt Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, was the pride and joy of Governor Percival Baxter who back in the 1930’s made it a life long mission.

    To set up, protect and preserve this granite intrusion in unorganized Vacationland. That is far from the standard tourist traps of shop til you drop, so many eatery options coastal Maine is famous for attracting visitors. There are a slew of hiking options, elevations of all sizes and design. But Mt Katahdin that is the centerpiece of Baxter State Park.

    To be kept forever wild. Baxter State Park was a gift from Governor Percival Baxter, starting with 6000 acres and ending up over 201,000 acres donated to the people of Maine. Baxter spent his personal fortune over 32 years creating the dream that became a popular vacation destination for many hikers, campers, wildlife enthusiasts. Baxter was a true public servant through his life. There has been an effort to make the state facility into a national park like Acadia is Downeast. More on the latest in the debate about Baxter State Park becoming a national park.

    baxter state park mt katahdin
    Baxter State Park, Local Jewel Created By Governor Percival Baxter Back In The 1930’s!

    When the conversation topic comes up on whether keep the park the way she is or make Baxter State Park a national one, the same talking points are hashed over.

    The land preservation plan if you want Baxter to become a national park promise a boost for the local economy. For Millinocket that not longer enjoys the steady rattle and hum of many paper making machines lubricating the open and shut of local cash registers. The high paying paper jobs, the trickle down spin off from them are gone leaving a one big sucking sound. One huge gaping employment hole in the region. All the employment eggs in one basket with little diversification did not help either when Great Northern Paper went to its knees.

    Baxter State Park.

    Forever wild, protected, deeply loved. Those against the move to make Baxter change designations from state control to national status will mean further government control shuts down local industry and hurts future growth. The land that makes up Baxter State Park in Picataquis County is a landscape that inspired early conservationists from Henry David Thoreau to President Theodore Roosevelt. It is a hotly debated topic, right up there with the legalization of marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. When you pull into a gas station to refuel. Running in to settle up and grab something cold to drink or a snack to munch on. You hear it in the grapevine in public places being discussed. The local newsprint and online recycled electrons media streams bang the drum on the subject of how best to classify Baxter State Park.

    Baxter State Park
    Baxter State Park, Ever Camped There? Hike The Trails And Explore Mt Katahdin, The Other Peaks.

    Regardless of the park’s demise and whatever her designation status, plan that trip to Baxter State Park.

    Take the little ones up Horse Mountain, 1400′ high and first on the list to cut your teeth. To develop the bug to hike for life. The Katahdin Loop Trail is over 9 miles long. You want to start early and keep in mind the clock is ticking. See the sights, the wild flowers, the long vistas along the way, all the animals that live at Baxter State Park.

    But be prepared for a rugged Knife’s edge that sprewls granite boulders haphazardly to the sides. Creating the long narrow pathway at the top, after you reach the table land above the tree line. Where there is no place to hide from the wind, up high where the eagles soar.

    The Saddle Trail has some steep sections too and the more tedious sections of your hike up Mount Katahdin will be above the tree line, where you are exposed.

    maine moose baxter state park
    Meet The Locals At Baxter State Park! Mister Moose May Continue To Eat, Ignore You Or Could Smile For The Kodak Moment. Everyone Wants, Needs To See A Moose When They Visit Maine.

    Where everything is out in the open, windy, and a long way down as you crank your head around. The trail ascent and descent demand your respect, to watch your step. You won’t have trouble sleeping the night after the hike up and down Mt Katahdin.

    There is nothing like reaching the top and watching the clouds drift by a mile up on Maine’s tallest peak. But stay hydrated, bring something warm and breathable for clothing for the trip up and down whatever peak you are determined to master every given day.

    Baxter State Park.

    Make the visit part of your family tradition for the exercise, the beauty, the memory making. Sample her outdoor clean air, cold clear water. And for the work out to capture the long jaw dropping view that awaits whatever elevation you decide to conquer.

    Baxter State Park, when you make Mt Katahdin your destination. Here is your hiking check list for Baxter State Park. Don’t forget your camera and post those images from Baxter State Park.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

    207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com | 

    MOOERS REALTY 69 North Street Houlton Maine 04730 USA

     

     

  • You’re Lucky Enough To Be Able To Drive, Cruise, Fly In To Maine, Aroostook County.

    Maine Lakes Are Unspoiled, Fished Filled, Soothing To Be On, Look Out Over.

    Aroostook County, the top of Maine, the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

    Somehow, by fate, coincidence or just sheer luck you get to spend a day in the “Crown of Maine”, in Aroostook County. What to do to make the best use of your time, to hit the highlights? Like a cruise ship that floats to three islands, and you collect all three t-shirts getting off to sample each venue for a day. Your cruise ship is in Aroostook County, parked, waiting for you to get back on board, to sail south.

    You are not going to be doing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway trip. Too many days and that is an advernture for the next few day vacation you set aside on your return to Aroostook County. The Allagash trip is technically in Piscataquis County if the truth be known. Just like Baxter State Park is technically in Penobscot County’s northern most regions for the north entrance to climb Mt Katahdin.

    So you are only here for a day which means a quick trip across the Canadian border in to New Brunswick, Quebec that both border us could be in the short time frame. Just to say you’ve been there, read the metric signs, learned a little roadside French. Collected a loonie or two for a sourvenir. If you had little kids with you, a climb up Horse Mountain, an easy trail in Baxter State Park would be memorable. Or a similiar hike up Echo Mountain at Aroostook State Park, Haystack Mountain in Caste Hill would give you scenery, exercise in the short period you cruise ship is anchored in Northern Maine. Outdoors is big in Maine. All four seasons. If you landed here in the winter, snowsledding to really cover ground would be a possibility. That adventure gets you to places not accessible by car and loaded with wildlife, scenery.

    Just spending the day on one of the many lakes, ponds, rivers in Aroostok County could be what you had it mind. Put your feet up, lean back on a lake deck and peer out over the water.

    Just relaxing without any huffing and puffing in Northern Maine.

    Low key, but still with water in front of your, along with fish jumping, a coffee in your hand while the sun rises, birds serenade you. You saw a moose, deer, black bear all from your open deck or while driving around Aroostook County. Bean suppers at local community churches or say the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum are not a bad use of a few hours during your trek thru Northern Maine either. Or if you land here around June 19th, you could watch the Northern Maine Soap Box Derby Race in Houlton Maine. It was the nation’s largest five years in a row!

    The best part of Aroostook County is not the unspoiled rolling fields, woods, waterways and long views. Not the wildlife in Northern Maine either or watching the changing of the seasons. It’s the people. Hardworking, family oriented, down to earth and interesting. Simple living by choice, but anything but simple mentally. Mainers have their feet on the ground, are focused on taking care of the neat region we are blessed with. We enjoy where we live, who we are, and want to meet you too. You will come away from Aroostook County’s day visit with a sense of peace, hope. Knowing there is a place where the pace of life is not 200 miles an hour, other people matter and time out to enjoy the four season beauty of a place like Aroostook County really happens. You’ll be back from your day long taste to spend more time here. To get to know Aroostook County..the “other Maine”.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers
    207.532.6573
    info@mooersrealty.com

  • ME…Tell Me A Story About Maine Will Ya?

    Maine Youth Learn How To Work Early On..In The Potation Fields, On Fishing Boats, Raking Blueberries.
    Maine Youth Learn How To Work Early On..In The Potation Fields, On Fishing Boats, Raking Blueberries.

    You’ve never been to Maine, know nothing about the state parked up in the right hand corner of the world.

    So far north we’re almost in Canada. So for the reader’s digest version..here goes with some highlights about the place in case a question on Maine comes up on Jeopardy for four hundred dollars tonight. To get you up to speed about the facts, just the facts on Maine.

    Maine has sixteen counties, the largest being Aroostook which is the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. There are 6,000 Maine lakes. We are blessed with 32,000 miles of Maine rivers and streams. 17 million acres of Maine is wooded, or roughly 91 percent. Maine’s Baxter State Park is home of Mt Katahdin which is the northern end of the Appalachian trail. Katahdin is 5268′ feet tall, just shy of being a mile’s 5280′.

    The Maine state animal is the moose, the capital Augusta, the gemstone the Tourmaline.

    Our Maine state soft drink is Moxie, the state tree the white pine, the bird the Chickadee. Our state cat is the Maine coon cat. The herb wintergreen, insect the honeybee and state floral emblem, the white pine cone and tassel. Like to fish? Our Maine fish is the landlocked salmon.

    Our Maine state motto is Dirigo (I Lead). Maine’s population is 1.2 million. In northern Maine that means 11 people per square mile. Maine’s crime rate is the 4th lowest, Aroostook County is half that state average again. Maine is 320 miles long, 210 miles wide with over 33,215 square miles (roughly as big as the other five New England states combined.)

    Maine has 65 lighthouses and Portland Head Light was commission by President George Washington. Maine’s wild blueberry industry make it the nation’s largest, raising 98% of the lowbush blueberries in the USA. Maine potatoes rank third in acreage and production nationally.

    York was Maine’s first chartered city in 1641. Maine became a state in 1820 and prior to that year was part of Massachusetts. Nearly 40 million pounds of Maine lobsters are harvested each year. Other shellfish and fin fishes combined mean harvesting over 200 million pounds happens annually.

    Maine’s weather has three climate regions being the coastal, southern interior and northern interior divisions. Recognized as one of the most healthful states in the nation, our average summer temperature in Maine is 70 degrees. In the winter, the average is 20 degrees with snowfall extremely light this year. But normal snowfall is snowiest in Maine in January with about 20 inches in the northern zone. The state wide snow accumulation ranges from 50 inches to 110 inches..depending on your location.

    I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers

    207.532.6573

    info@mooersrealty.com