Baxter State Park day hiking tips

Day Hiking Tips

Plan, Plan, Plan! Be careful that you carry essential gear, but avoid excess. We suggest at least the following list, with your preferences added:

A Comfortable Pack. Make sure that zippers, straps, etc. are functioning before you
leave. Carry materials to make emergency equipment repairs if needed.

Sturdy Footwear , preferably well broken in. Ankle support and a good tread for traction are important for hikes above treeline. Wear heavy socks or one absorbent liner sock and one outer sock. Wool and polypropylene are popular choices. Nylon, Dacron, and cotton are not desirable for long hikes.

Layers of Clothing. When mountain hiking, carry an extra sweater or jacket for warmth and rain or wind gear for above treeline. A hat can prevent sunstroke on hot days and heat loss in cold, windy conditions. Expect at least a 10-20 degree drop in temperature between Millinocket and the top of Mt. Katahdin.

High Energy Foods. Carry a good supply of snacks and nutritious food to replace your energy. Suggestions: Nuts, rasins, M&M's, and other candies, dried fruit, granola bars, etc.

Full Water Bottles. If you are mountain hiking, carry at least one quart. Most hikers need closer to two quarts for an average day hike. The standard park policy on water treatment applies to all open sources (all water in the park should be treated before drinking). Springs on top of the Mountain are not dependable.

A Working Flashlight is required equipment for all hikes.

A Personal First-Aid Kit should be carried. Kit should contain adhesive tape, moleskin, ace bandages, scissors, any medication you may need, and a bee allergy kit (if necessary).

Get an early Start. Consider the weather, trail difficulty, and your level of fittness, as well as the level of fitness for everyone that you will be hiking with. Be reasonable, turn back before people are exhausted.

Stay On Trails. Since 1963, there have been fifteen fatalities on Katahdin and countless lost-person injuries. An estimated 80% of those incidents were caused by people leaving the trails.

Stay Together as a Group, traveling only as fast as the slowest member. Most problems are the result of individuals attempting to travel alone.

Use Common Sense. It takes up no room in your pack, but can make the difference between life and death! Foolish mistakes can lead to tragic results. Travel safely in the mountains, and carry home happy memories.

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	A Comfortable Pack. Make sure that zippers, straps, etc. are functioning before you leave. Carry materials to make emergency equipment repairs if needed.
	Sturdy Footwear , preferably well broken in. Ankle support and a good tread for traction are important for hikes above treeline. Wear heavy socks or one absorbent liner sock and one outer sock. Wool and polypropylene are popular choices. Nylon, Dacron, and cotton are not desirable for long hikes.
	Layers of Clothing. When mountain hiking, carry an extra sweater or jacket for warmth and rain or wind gear for above treeline. A hat can prevent sunstroke on hot days and heat loss in cold, windy conditions. Expect at least a 10-20 degree drop in temperature between Millinocket and the top of Mt. Katahdin.
	High Energy Foods. Carry a good supply of snacks and nutritious food to replace your energy. Suggestions: Nuts, rasins, M&M's, and other candies, dried fruit, granola bars, etc.
	Full Water Bottles. If you are mountain hiking, carry at least one quart. Most hikers need closer to two quarts for an average day hike. The standard park policy on water treatment applies to all open sources (all water in the park should be treated before drinking). Springs on top of the Mountain are not dependable.
	A Working Flashlight is required equipment for all hikes.
	A Personal First-Aid Kit should be carried. Kit should contain adhesive tape, moleskin, ace bandages, scissors, any medication you may need, and a bee allergy kit (if necessary).
	Get an early Start. Consider the weather, trail difficulty, and your level of fittness, as well as the level of fitness for everyone that you will be hiking with. Be reasonable, turn back before people are exhausted.
	Stay On Trails. Since 1963, there have been fifteen fatalities on Katahdin and countless lost-person injuries. An estimated 80% of those incidents were caused by people leaving the trails.
	Stay Together as a Group, traveling only as fast as the slowest member. Most problems are the result of individuals attempting to travel alone.
	Use Common Sense. It takes up no room in your pack, but can make the difference between life and death! Foolish mistakes can lead to tragic results. Travel safely in the mountains, and carry home happy memories.