More than 220 miles of foot trails crisscross the wild country of Baxter State Park, Gov. Percival Baxter’s “magnificent obsession” and enduring legacy. These winding, scenic, oftentimes rugged paths offer myriad ways for day hikers and backpackers to explore the park’s 209,644-acre expanse, from Nesowadnehunk Stream to Baxter Peak to Russell Pond to Matagamon Lake.
A small but dedicated seasonal trail crew, several full-time staff, plus volunteers and contractors, work hard to ensure that the park’s trail system and related infrastructure is well-maintained and safe for the hiking public, while also protecting the natural resources. That’s no easy task, for sure, so the next time you encounter a Baxter trail crew, be sure to give them a big thumbs up. Two summers ago, on a beauty of a Katahdin circuit from Chimney Pond, I was descending Pamola on the spectacular Dudley Trail, so named for the legendary Baxter warden and Maine guide.
A rock slide in 2016 had closed the lower part of the trail until 2020, and this was my first chance to check out the rerouted section, which was now significantly longer. Nearing the tree line, I reached a sign that read “Trail Work in Progress” and excitedly continued down into the boulders and krummholz. Soon after, the trail, neatly lined with rocks, switchbacked right.
A switchback! And there were more to come, as well as rock staircases, log ladders and water bars, all artfully built into the impossible terrain of the steep .
