CVOA BAXTER PARK WEEKEND
Friday July 30th to Sunday 1st, 2010
By Peter Weston
On this year's trip to Baxter State Park we will be camping at the
Trout Brook Campsite in the north end of the Park.
In January I reserved the 3 group sites with a capacity of 42 people (14 per
site). These sites are located right on Trout Brook and are away
from the individual campsites.
Directions: Enter the Park via the North Gate. Take I95 to the
Sherman Mills exit and drive north to Patten on Rt 11. After you
pass through Patten, turn left onto the Shin Pond Road, Rt 159.
You will go past Shin Pond (nice general store & restaurant) and
eventually come to Baxter S.P.
At the gate you will need to
present a copy of the registration form, which you get from me.
The Trout Brook Campsites will be on your right several miles
after the gate. People usually arrive at the site sometime Friday
afternoon.
There are plenty of shorter hikes and places to go
kayaking/canoeing that you can do on Friday.
Baxter Park Rules: No pets, no motorcycles, no RVs. Tenting only. If you have questions, check: baxterstateparkauthority.com.
Meals: You need to bring your own food for breakfasts and lunches. Friday night CVOA will provide the
entree ... BBQ chicken, fresh corn & blueberry crisp. Everyone brings an appetizer, side dish or a desert to share with the group.
Saturday night is potluck soup night. Please bring your favorite soup, bread, appetizer and/or desert to share. CVOA provides
paper products and plastic utensils.
Please let me know what you plan to bring for Friday and Saturday night.
I'll coordinate firewood.
THERE IS NO DRINKING WATER SUPPLY IN THE PARK, SO BRING YOUR OWN WATER.
Hiking: One of the premier hikes in the Park is the Traveler Loop starting at the South Branch 
Campground. This is a few miles down the road from the Trout Brook site. The loop is about 10 miles
and is a rugged all day hike. Much of it is above tree line and the views are spectacular.
Lots of other options are available, and some of the Park veterans in our group can offer suggestions if you are interested.
In addition, Rick Young is volunteering to lead CVOA campers on the Five Pond trail, a relatively easy, flat trail with scenic views. Rick plans to leave from camp Saturday morning at 9:30 am.
If hiking any of the mountains in the Park: Be Prepared. Bring lots of water on the hike,
especially if the weather turns hot. Also consider bringing bug dope, a windbreaker, good footwear,
sunglasses, sunscreen, a map, compass, flashlight, a space blanket and matches in a waterproof container.
If the weather permits, we often find a place to take a swim after hiking, so bring your swimsuit as well.
Other possible activities: kayak and canoeing, sightseeing, and fishing (check the rule book).
Cost: $20, including the campsite fee and Friday night dinner. To be paid when you sign up.
Any questions, please feel free to give me a call or send an email.
Peter Weston, CVOA Baxter Park Trip Coordinator
12 Cranberry Pines Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074
207-885-5995 (home) 207-831-856
