Activities

Camping in Maine Near Mt. Katahdin, Baxter State Park

The Baxter State Park Region offers many outdoor activities that one person, or a group of 80 can take advantage of. Here are just a few of the options:

Whitewater Rafting:

The most experienced and respected white water rafting company in New England offers daily Maine whitewater rafting trips on the challenging Penobscot River. New England Outdoor Center bases these very popular white water rafting adventures at the Penobscot Outdoor Center. For more information visit: New England Outdoor Center.

Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin:

• Hiking, and lots of it! Baxter State Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Hike along the Knife's Edge to the summit of mile high Mt. Katahdin, or visit Little Niagara (a miniature Niagara Falls!). Follow the trail to famous Chimney Pond and look straight up the glacier-carved chimney at Mt. Katahdin. Penobscot Outdoor Center and Baxter State Park personnel are very good at recommending hikes.
• Natural water slides: for an exciting way to cool off on a hot summer day, slip into one of the many natural water slides in the park.
• Baxter State Park by car: driving through the park is beautiful and relaxing, and you are guaranteed magnificent views of the many mountain peaks and wildlife including moose, deer, bear, bald eagles, chipmunks, and much more!
• World War II Refugee Camp: There is an old refugee camp near the north entrance to the park. Jewish refugees were placed in the camp for safety, and now it's a museum.

For more info visit http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/ .

Boom House Museum:

During the logging days, lumberjacks stayed in a camp called a boom house. They would eat, sleep, and play here. There were many located near the Penobscot River, and the last remaining boom house has been turned into a museum. The many historic artifacts in the museum include tools, pictures, documents, and the boom house itself. The friendly caretaker is almost always nearby, and welcomes guests. A donation is optional for touring. To reach the Boom House Museum rent a canoe, charter a boat, or hike in. The Penobscot Outdoor Center has directions.

Moose Watching:

The Mt. Katahdin Area is home to one of the healthiest moose populations in the state. The numerous lakes, ponds, and rivers in the area provide excellent habitat for this large herbivore's insatiable appetite. An adult moose will eat 40 - 50 pounds of vegetation every day to supply it's 900 - 1500 lb. body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Moose watching is fast becoming the region's favorite activity, and frequent sightings can be had by vehicle, water or on foot. Visitors can look for Moose independently or on a guided tour. A particularly unique way to view moose is on a guided moose/wildlife tour. We travel by canoe, touring kayak, motor boat, or vehicle to prime wildlife habitat where sightings are common.

Ripogenus Dam:

Ripogenus dam is easily accessed, and a person can either walk or drive over the dam. Another option is to hike along the ridge of the infamous Ripogenus Gorge.

Baxter State Park by Air:

There is a small airport five miles before you get to the entrance to the Penobscot Outdoor Center. All flights take off from the water. You can arrange a scenic flight from a fast fifteen minutes to nearly four hours! Fly over Mt. Katahdin and Baxter State Park, the Penobscot River, or create your own itinerary.

Abol Falls Beach:

The beach is a popular place to hunt for colorful rocks or gold, or relax in the sun and play in the currents of the Penobscot River.