Baxter State Park. The Baxter Park Authority is responsible for the 200,000+ acres of land that was given to the state by the late Governor Percival Baxter. At the heart of Baxter Park is the famous Mt. Katahdin, which stands 5,271 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in Maine. It is also the most northern mountain in the Appalachian range. Because Baxter Park is restricted from hunting, wildlife spotting is frequent and photo opportunities are great.
Grafton Notch has 3,112 acres throughout the towns of Upton and Newry. Several hiking trails extend through this spectacular, scenic area at the end of the Mahoosuc Range. The 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail passes through the park on the way to the trail’s northern point, Mt. Katahdin. Sights include: Screw Auger Falls, Spruce Meadow, Mother Walker Falls, Old Speck Mountain, and Moose Cave.
Mt. Blue State Park located in Weld is 5,021 acres and includes a campground; sand beach with bathhouse; boat launch; amphitheater, and nature center in the Webb Lake area. The nearby Center Hill Area provides a scenic picnic spot and nature trail. Mt. Blue is a very popular day hike.
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a canoeist’s paradise flowing through two Maine counties, Aroostook and Piscataquis. This 92-mile corridor of lakes and river connects several large public reserved land units and is surrounded by a vast, privately-owned commercial forest.
Rangeley Lake, in the town of Rangeley, is 691 acres located in an area famous for trout and landlocked salmon fishing. The park offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the state in this western region of mountains and lakes.
Moosehead Lake encompasses more than 11,176 acres including Sugar and Farm Islands and most of the shore in Days Academy and Kineo Townships. There are numerous boat access campsites on the shore. Hiking trails provide visitors access to the spectacular views from the summit of Mount Kineo. Boats may be launched at several locations on the lake including Lily Bay State Park and Rockwood.
Bigelow Preserve has 35,000 acres including the entire Bigelow Mountain Range and nearly 20 miles of the southern shore of Flagstaff Lake. It was established as a reserved land by the people of Maine in 1976. Enjoy hiking along trails including the famous Appalachian Trail, as well as fishing, swimming, and camping. Courtesy of the Secretary of State Kids’ Page at www.maine.gov.
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