Baxter State Park will not be opening its gates this spring

Baxter State Park will be closed to camping, vehicle access and travel above tree line until further notice, with a target opening date of July 1.

This decision was made by the park’s governing body, the Baxter State Park Authority, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was announced in a letter to the public on April 14.

The park will remain open for walk-in day use below the tree line, which is the elevation on mountains where trees no longer grow. However, all trails exploring Katahdin and Traveler mountains will be closed at the trailheads.

The park’s two gates — Togue Pond and Matagamon gates — will remain closed to vehicle traffic. Affected camping and day use parking reservations will be cancelled. The park will contact all those impacted to transfer or refund reservations.

The decision was made to protect the health and safety of park visitors and staff, and is based on recommendations made by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maine CDC, the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency and the Baxter State Park medical director. It’s also in compliance with protocols issued by the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Baxter State Park typically draws about 70,000 visitors annually, with the majority of those visitors flocking to Katahdin, the state’s tallest mountain, in late spring, summer and fall. Camping in the park is so popular that people reserve campsites and cabins months in advance.

“Baxter State Park recognizes the importance of public access to the outdoors during these trying times, and that outdoor experiences are best enjoyed safely and close to home,” the letter states. “The park looks forward to opening as soon as reasonably possible.”

If you have any questions, call the Baxter State Park reservations office at 207-723-5140.