We%26#39;re finally going to hit BSP. I cant wait! Our plan is to arrive in Millinocket in the afternoon, do a day hike the entire next day and then leave then next morning.
Like most others, I want to hit Roaring Brook and do a day hike to Chimney Pond. My concern is whether or not we%26#39;ll be able to %26#39;walk-up%26#39; and get in.
We%26#39;ll be hiking with our 7 and 3 year old. They are fairly able, my 7 yo has done Dorr Mtn in Acadia..twice. 3yo will be on my back. From what I have read, Roaring Brook trail to Chimney Pond should be ok for kids. (We will not be hitting the summit.) Does this sound about right?
How early should I get to the gate for a midweek late June day?
Any other hikes to recommend if Chimney Pond falls through?
Lodging? I read reviews here about the Econolodge and decided against it. The Best Value looks promising. Any other recommendations?
Thanks!
Baxter State Park -- What to expect midweek in mid June?
Acadiafan;
Sorry to be a year late and a $ short but that is the story of my life. I would love to hear how you made out but here is my advice if you haven%26#39;t done it yet. Although it is rated as moderate, the Chimney Pond Trail is an average 2 1/2 hr. hike and probably at least 3hrs. with a 3 year old on your back. The rocks on the upper portion of the trail can be very slippery if you experience any rainfall prior to or during your hike. This would be more of a problem on the descent. It has been my experience that it is wise to get to the gate by 6:00 AM as the parking lot at Roaring Brook fills up fasteven though it is the largest because it is the most popular. Some of the other trails from that location are enjoyable such as the South Turner but stay on the flat portion and you might surprise the kids with a sighting of a moose in one of the ponds.
The Best Value is pretty good. I haven%26#39;t stayed at the Katahdin Inn since it changed ownership and their name but some reports say it went downhill. If you read this letter let me know either way. Good Hiking
Baxter State Park -- What to expect midweek in mid June?
Actually, our visit to Millinocket worked out so well, we%26#39;re planning on going up again this year.
We almost didn%26#39;t make the trip up to Millinocket. The weather forecast said partly cloudy with storms overnight (Tues), clearing the next morning (Wed). We drove up anyway. When we got into town we headed for the Park Station in town and got some info. They told us that the Roaring Brook parking lot hasn%26#39;t been filled the entire month (we went in June last year) and we *should* have no problem getting in. They also told us that while Roaring Brook lot may fill up at times, they still let people into other parts of the Park. We also went to the Ranger station near the park entrance. It was rainy and overcast. We couldn%26#39;t even see Mt Katahdin.
That night it stormed pretty good. The next morning however it cleared up a little. We got up and out before 8. We got to Roaring Brook lot at 8:30. There were maybe a dozen cars. We checked in and started hiking. Early on we saw a ranger heading down and he said that the peak was still in the clouds. We were a little disappointed but decided to keep going. The hike was as long as you said: 3hrs up, 2 1/2 down. And yes, I can see how the trail would be tricky when wet. There was plenty of rock hopping. My 7yo kicked butt. As we got to Chimney pond the clouds started lifting and we had a fantastic view of Katahdin. Truly amazing. The trip down was harder on me than going up. The 35lbs of %26#39;deadweight%26#39; that is my son was taking a toll on my knees. When we got back to the lot it still wasn%26#39;t full.
This year we wont do Chimney Pond (my son is now 4 and out of the pack) but we%26#39;ll try and hit other spots like Big and Little Niagra and maybe some of the Golden Road. The park is beautiful and we want to explore more of it.
The Best Value Inn worked out well too. We drove up without reservations. We drove by the Econolodge, ruled that out upon sight, and got a room at the BVI. The rooms were very clean and we%26#39;ll stay there again this year.
I%26#39;ll have to check out South Turner Trail on the map. Web pics look nice but I%26#39;m not sure my 4yo can do it.
Good morning Acadiafan! Just had to post - you/your 4 year old will LOVE South Turner! Know this for a FACT because we have climbed it 2 years in a row now - 2 summers ago our youngest daughter was 3 1/2 and she had no problem! Older daughter was just 5 then %26amp; she blazed too. Plenty of snacks - gentle encouragement - lots of water %26amp; the adventure was on. They may have actually done better than us ';old folks'; on the rock/boulder scrambles! It is a great day hike, incredible views. You can even reserve a parking spot at the Roaring Brook Parking Lot so you do not have to arrive way early. Nothing like a 9ish start to this hike! And if still looking for a place to stay we do have vacancys here! Feel free to check out our reviews on tripadvisor - we are the Katahdin Cabins and located just about 3/4 mile from BVI. Regardless, have a GREAT visit to our area!
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