Where is Baxter State Park, Millinocket, Maine?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Baxter State Park is located in Maine, USA. It lies between the Penobscot River Valley and the Canadian border and is situated in the northern part of the state. The park is famous for its mountains, forests, lakes, and outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Baxter State Park Location Map, Millinocket, Maine

Where is Baxter State Park Located in Millinocket, Maine
About Map: The map showing location of Baxter State Park in the Millinocket, Maine in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Baxter State Park

  • Mount Katahdin – Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, offering challenging hikes and panoramic views.
  • Chimney Pond – Scenic mountain pond providing a popular base camp for climbers ascending Mount Katahdin.
  • South Branch Pond – Serene pond with fishing, canoeing, and tranquil hiking surroundings.
  • Daicey Pond – Peaceful pond accessible via hiking trails, great for wildlife observation and solitude.
  • North and South Traveler Trails – Trails leading through forests and mountains with diverse hiking challenges.
  • Roaring Brook Falls – Beautiful waterfall along a moderate trail, ideal for photography and nature walks.
  • Meadow and Forest Areas – Expansive natural habitats supporting wildlife viewing and camping opportunities.

Baxter State Park Facts

Official NameBaxter State Park
LocationPiscataquis County (and portion of Penobscot County), north-central Maine, USA — nearest town/gateway: Millinocket, ME
Latitude & Longitude (approx.)≈ 46.09° N, 68.96° W (central park reference) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Total Area≈ 209,501 acres (≈ 847 km²) wilderness land :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Date Established / OriginFirst land donated March 3, 1931 (initial ~6,000 acres); further parcels added until 1962-controlled expansion to today’s size :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Founder / DonorPercival P. Baxter (former Governor of Maine) — donated sequential parcels to create the park under “forever-wild” trust covenant :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Managed ByBaxter State Park Authority (independent from Maine State Park system) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Main Peak / Highest PointMount Katahdin — 5,267 ft (≈ 1,605 m), highest mountain in Maine, located within the park :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Trails & Hiking / Recreation Infrastructure~ 215-220+ miles of hiking/back-country & walking trails, lakes, streams, woods, ridges & peaks including Katahdin; multiple campgrounds & back-country sites for wilderness camping & hiking trips :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Landscape / Environment & EcosystemMixed northern forest, mountains, lakes, rivers/streams, ponds, wetlands — habitat for moose, black bear, deer, beaver, and many other wildlife species; rugged wilderness landscape in North Maine Woods :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Park Philosophy / Management ConceptForever-wild wilderness preserve: the land is held in trust to remain natural, wild and as a sanctuary for wildlife & public recreation with minimal development, per donor’s vision. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Significance / NotabilityLargest protected wilderness area in Maine; home to Maine’s highest peak (Katahdin) & northern terminus of Appalachian Trail; major destination for hikers, wilderness lovers & back-country recreationists. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Nearest Town / Access / AddressMillinocket, ME — Park Headquarters: 64 Balsam Drive, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA; access via gated park roads, no commercial services inside park. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Visitor Policy / FundingOperated independently (not via regular state-park system); funded via user fees, trust funds and forest-management revenues (not state general funds). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Distances from Baxter State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mount Katahdin – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Millinocket, ME – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Medway, ME – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • East Millinocket, ME – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Bangor, ME – 115 km (71 mi)
  • Patten, ME – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Lincoln, ME – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Millinocket Lake – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Katahdin Iron Works Historic Site – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Chase Lake – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Maine Highlands Scenic Byway – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Penobscot River – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Mount Katahdin South Branch – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • North Traveler Mountain Trailhead – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Mount Katahdin East Branch – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Shin Pond Village – 18 km (11 mi)
  • Millinocket Stream – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Abol Bridge – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Katahdin Stream Campground – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Roosevelt Campground – 8 km (5 mi)