Hiking

Maine is world renowned for its many hiking opportunities complete with a variety of challenges, vast scenic forest vistas, moose, loons, bald eagles and other wildlife.

Your hiking adventures are made into memories at Mt Chase Lodge – the perfect place to stay during your treks. Just 15 miles from the northern entrance to Baxter State Park, the lodge offers all of the amenities most people desire, while being located in a quiet wilderness setting away from the hustle, bustle and congestion of Baxter State Park’s south entrance near the town of Millinocket.

Mt Chase Lodge’s staff is here to help you enjoy it all.

Trout Brook Mountain in Baxter State Park

Just inside Baxter State Park, a moderate hike up Trout Brook Mountain, about an hour, yields a spectacular view of the northern area of the park. Views of Grand Lake Matagamon, the headwaters of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, stretching up to Second Lake, are all visible from this vantage point.

Baxter State Park’s South Branch Pond Trailhead

A few more miles into the Park, at South Branch Pond, one has a choice of three separate hikes.

North Traveler – A one way, two and a half hour, climb up North Traveler overlooks the two ponds, Upper and Lower South Branch.

Blackcat Mountain Loop – A loop trail around Blackcat Mountain to the west, a day’s journey, affords views into the western interior of the Park.

Traveler Mountain Loop – The newest trail, the Traveler Mountain Loop rivals the trails of Katahdin but is at the Park’s less crowded northern entrance. Sixty percent above tree line, this trail includes 3 separate mountain summits over a 10.6 mile circuit. With a vertical rise of over 3,700 feet, this trail must be experienced to be appreciated. The average hiking time for this trail for the fit hiker is 9-10 hours.

Mt Katahdin & the Appalachian Trail

The famous Appalachian Trail, which starts in Georgia and winds north, brings hikers to its end atop the mile high mountain named “Katahdin”, meaning the “highest” mountain. Hikers from around the globe come to experience the challenge offered by this magnificent mountain which is surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Baxter State Park, close by Mt Chase Lodge.

In addition, Baxter Park offers many other hiking trails ranging from easy, low impact, to highly challenging. With over 300 square miles (200,000 acres) of mountainous wilderness preserves, there is truly something for everyone of any experience level.

If planning a day hike up Katahdin, keep in mind that we are located on the NORTH entrance of Baxter State Park, approximately 1.5 hours from Mt. Katahdin.

Very Convenient Hikes

Mt Chase – Local hiking trails around the lodge are also available. Our namesake, Mt Chase, is a 2,440 foot elevation mountain overlooking Upper and Lower Shin Ponds. Views to the west are of the eastern boundary of the mountains of Baxter State Park: North Traveler, Traveler Mountain, Horse Mountain and Katahdin are all visible from atop Mt Chase. It’s just a fantastic day hike from the lodge that anyone can enjoy. The hike itself is about one and a half hours from the base to the top, at a moderate incline.

Shin Falls – A 3/4 mile hike into Shin Falls yields a spectacular view of its 80-90 foot drop. During high water conditions, the roar of the water coming over the falls is deafening and wildly exciting. Views from the top, middle falls, and the bottom are all accessible. Have your camera ready!

Geo-Cache at Grand Pitch on Sebois River – Another mile long hike along the Sebois River brings you to Grand Pitch, a definite portage for canoers. If you are into geo-caching, an interesting cache is located in this area by the view of the falls. Several other Caches are located in the area. So those of you who enjoy navigating through the woods with a GPS will enjoy this!