This Iconic Hike in Maine’s Baxter State Park Is Now One of the Best in the U.S. for Springtime

It must have been the summer of 1994 when I first visited Baxter State Park. Our group set out to hike into Chimney Pond, spend the night there, and then make our way up Katahdin. I was 14 and had never been to the park before, but I knew it would be the start of a love affair with this special place.

Chimney Pond and its campground are truly something special. For starters, there’s a scenic 3.3-mile hike just to get there, which makes for a perfect warm-up before tackling Katahdin.

How special is this stretch of Baxter? So special that it has gained national attention as one of the most stunning destinations, especially during the springtime.

The popular recreation site Outdoors Informed recently published an article on the best mountain hikes during the spring. The site included just six hikes from across the country—and wouldn’t you know it, one of the hikes listed was the Chimney Pond Trail.

Here's a little of why Outdoors Informed choice the Chimney Pond Trail:

This is a rocky trail that takes you up to Chimney Pond where the views are breathtaking... Sights include a glacial bowl with mountain ponds that ascend through a forest. At the top of the trail, you see glimpses of the North basin of Mount Katahdin.

The views are truly breathtaking, some of the absolute best in the park. And that’s saying something, considering Baxter State Park is full of stunning scenery.

How Difficult is the Chimney Pond Trail in Baxter State Park?

The Chimney Pond Trail is rated as moderate by the site AllTrails.com. It describes the 6.6-mile out-and-back trail as rocky, with a relatively consistent incline—and absolutely gorgeous. It’s the kind of trail that can make you forget about the chaos of everyday life.

The trail also offers one of the greatest payoffs you’ll find: the incredible view of Chimney Pond and Mount Katahdin when you reach the campground.

This is such a stunning view to experience, and hordes of people have. The Chimney Pond Campground is one of the most popular in the park, so it’s not surprising to find the trail relatively busy throughout the peak months.

READ MORE: Maine’s Acadia National Park Named One of America’s Top 5

That’s why a spring trip is such a unique and beautiful experience: you get to enjoy everything the Chimney Pond Trail has to offer, but with far fewer people.

Should you Book Early to Stay in Baxter State Park?

While it’s possible to hike the Chimney Pond Trail and summit Mount Katahdin in a single day, I highly recommend staying overnight at the Chimney Pond Campground. It’s simply an experience you’ll never forget. Fair warning—reservations go quickly, so be ready to book early.