Baxter Day Hiking
On this trip to Baxter State Park, you’ll set up a base camp at one of the many campgrounds in the park and spend your days hiking to amazing views, swimming in streams, and soaking up the peace and quiet of the north Maine woods.
Rather than carrying everything on your back, you’ll return to base camp each night to a tent and outhouse. Your daily plans will flex based on the group’s interests, energy, and sense of adventure.There are a ton of beautiful trails for trips to explore in Baxter State Park! Groups can opt into more challenging day hikes to seek out scenic vistas or groups can cover less mileage on gentler terrain, choosing destinations based on possible swimming holes or scenic waterfalls. Trips based in the northern end of the park will have the opportunity to canoe in South Branch Pond and two groups staying in Baxter will have the opportunity to hike Katahdin (weather permitting).
If there is anything in the trip description or equipment list that you have questions about, please do not hesitate to contact us at (207) 725-4292 or bocOtrips@bowdoin.edu.
We've got all the camping and group gear for you but, here's what you should bring for this trip! Items that you can borrow or purchase from the BOC are noted on the packing list. See Baxter Day Hiking Equipment List.
Sample Itinerary:
Wednesday
- Depart from Bowdoin early in the morning! It's a long drive!
- Arrive and check in. Settle into your campsite.
- Short afternoon day hike
Thursday and Friday: There is so much to do in Baxter State Park! Here are some options that trips have enjoyed in the past:
- Hiking Mount Coe and The Brothers, Daicey Pond Trail, or Doubletop
- Checking out Blueberry Ledges
- Swimming in one of the many streams or ponds in the park
Bring games like frisbees, Spikeball, or cards for downtime at camp!
Saturday, August 30
- Head back to Bowdoin. Clean up all your camping gear and return borrowed equipment when you get back to campus before heading back to your dorms.