Winter Rules
Baxter State Park Authority

The Baxter State Park Authority has developed a set of procedures and guidelines for winter use in a effort to assist Park users in planning trips to Baxter State Park, to promote safety of all persons using the park and to protect the Baxter State Park Authority and its staff from unnecessary search and rescue efforts.

These procedures and guidelines are necessary because of the potential dangers associated with use in remote areas with arctic winter conditions. Please read the enclosed Rules and Regulations and Administrative Procedures Governing Winter Activities before applying to the Park Director for special winter use permits, changes in practice and policy are incorporated each year.

The winter season in Baxter State Park runs from December 1 - April 1. Reservation for overnight use of Park facilities may be obtained from the reservation clerk at Park Headquarters, through the mail or in person, from November 1st to March15th. All information requested (trip itinerary with the list of party members, Certifications of Physical Fitness for all parties and Certifications of Training and Experience for both the leader and alternate leaders along with the appropriate fee) must be received by the Reservation Clerk. The trip leader or co-leaders are responsible for gathering all certifications necessary for each party member. The requested Information and fees must Accompany all Reservation Requests.

No Reservation can be confirmed until ALL Certifications have been received from each member of the party and approval has bee granted from the Baxter State Park Director.

All Reservations, payments and refunds for each party will be processed through the Trip Leader. Money Orders, Bank Checks, Visa or Mastercard (by mail or in person only) must be used for the payment of camping fees.
All Personal Checks Will Be Returned.
Request for refunds must be received at least seven(7) days in advance of the reservation date. A $25.00 fee will be charged for each refund requested. Should your application not be accepted by the Director, the remittance will be refunded in full.

There are four types of winter activity in the Park

  • Day Use: Primarily cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Togue Pond and Matagamon area. No special permission is required. Day-users are requested to check in and out at the self-registration box at the gate or Headquarters (by phone, if more convenient). NOTE: Climbing above treeline on Katahdin requires prior permission from the Park Director, even if you are planning a day hike only. Follow the enclosed equipment guidelines, return all forms completed at least two weeks prior to your day trip and remember that groups travelling above treeline on Katahdin must consist of at least four members.
    Snowmobiles are allowed in the Park in Restricted areas. See attached Rules, #21.
  • Winter Hiking And Camping: Camping in authorized campsites: Lean-tos, tentsites, bunkhouses, cabins, picnic areas, skiing and snowshoeing below timberline.
  • Technical Climbing: Any trip off marked trails, above timberline, or across Knife Edge, as well as ice or snow climbing.
  • Alpine Skiing: Any use of skis above treeline.
  • Winter Fees are as follows: (Revised 2004)
  • Lean-tos or tent site $12.00/per person/night.
  • Bunkhouse* $18.00/per person/night
    *Except Chimney Pond bunkhouse is $37.00 per person per night.
  • Cabin(Daicy Pond) $22.00/person/night

The following information is provided to help you in your trip planning:

The public highway leading to the south entrance of the Park (Togue Pond Gate) from Millinockett is plowed as far as Millinockett Lake, where a parking area is provided. Winter visitors to Baxter State Park are advised to take the "Golden Road" from Millinocket Lake for ten miles and park in the provided parking area near Abol Bridge on the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Bowater/Great Northern does not allow parking at any other points along their road.

The public highway leading to the North Entrance of the Park from Patten (Rte. 159) is plowed as far as the Matagamon parking lot about ¼ mile beyond the bridge over the East Branch of the Penobscot River.

All visitors are encouraged to stop at Baxter State Park Headquarters, off Route 157 in Millinocket (right next to Mc Donald`s), for the latest Park and weather information. Headquarters hours are 8:00am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. Finally, if there is any further help we can give to assist in trip preparation or planning, please don`t hesitate to write or call.

Irving C Caverly, Jr.
Director
Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park
Reservation Clerk
64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket Me. 04462
Tel. (207)723-5140