Baxter State Park Begins Expanding Access This Week
After delaying the season, Baxter State Park will begin to expand recreational access this week.
Officials at Baxter State Park say areas of the park will start opening to more outdoor activities. According to a news release, on June 15 the park will open the Togue Pond and Matagamon gates to vehicles from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. This will allow recreation on more than 60 miles of trails, fishing access on more than 25 ponds and 7 streams, as well as several day use and picnic areas.
All trails above the treeline, including Katahdin and Traveler trails, will remain closed at the trailheads. A tentative opening date is set for July 1.
On July 1, the park intends to open to camping, although some changes have been put in place. Bunkhouses will not be opening for the 2020 season. Those with bunkhouse reservations will be contacted by the park for refunds, credits, or transfers. Visitors from out-of-state must quarantine for 14 days prior to visiting the park.
Last month, fires burned 45-acres on land within the park. As a result, park officials closed the Appalachian Trail and Foss and Knowlton, Blueberry Ledges, Abol Pond and Abol Stream trails. As of June 1, the effected trails have reopened.