Traveling on roads in Baxter State Park is like traveling back in time. All roads inside the Park are narrow, winding, primitive dirt roads. Commonly, the roads form washboard surfaces and dust abounds. In heavy rains, gaping potholes occur. The roads are graded regularly, but the weather is a major factor in their condition.
Baxter State Park, in recent years, has seen a steady increase in visitor use. To preserve and protect the park resources in the condition that Percival P. Baxter intended, we have been forced to control access to trailheads. Once specific parking lots fill up, those areas are closed for the day. This has created additional problems in the form of road traffic. Percival Baxter was also adamant that roads would not be improved and the park would not become a drive through park. Baxter permitted roads for the sole purpose of allowing access so that people could come and hike in the woods and enjoy nature.
Throughout the summer and weekends in the fall tend to be our busiest times. Expect delays and traffic congestion along the roads. Please use pullouts to allow approaching traffic to pass by. The speed limit is 20 mph or less to protect animals from your car and your car from our primitive wilderness roads. Expect slow driving and please use caution around corners.
If you are stopping to view wildlife, please find a pullout to park in. This may mean driving forward or backward a few hundred yards, but must be done to ensure the safety of other drivers who wish to go around you. Pullouts are in place for short-term stops (15 minutes) and traveler safety only; pullouts are not authorized parking spots for hikers.