Katahdin’s Eastern Trailhead
Roaring Brook Campground is the eastern gateway to Mount Katahdin and the starting point for some of the most dramatic routes in the northeast. The campground sits at about 1,500 feet on the eastern flank of Katahdin, at the end of the park’s Roaring Brook Road. From here, trails lead to Chimney Pond in the Great Basin, the Helon Taylor Trail to Pamola Peak and the Knife Edge, and several of the park’s most rewarding day hikes.
The campground takes its name from Roaring Brook, which tumbles down from the mountain through the camp area. The sound of rushing water is constant, a natural white noise machine that masks the silence of the surrounding wilderness. The forest here is dense boreal spruce and fir, and the sites are shaded and private, separated by thick undergrowth.
Roaring Brook is the second-most-popular campground in Baxter State Park after Katahdin Stream. It draws climbers who want to access the Knife Edge traverse, the Cathedral Trail, or the Dudley Trail, all routes that begin at or near Chimney Pond, a 3.3-mile hike from this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for South Turner Mountain, an excellent shorter hike with views into the Great Basin.
The Campground
Roaring Brook has approximately 10 sites, including tent sites and lean-tos. The sites are arranged along the campground road and along the brook, with each site featuring a picnic table and fire ring. The lean-tos are the standard three-sided Adirondack-style shelters found throughout Baxter State Park.
A ranger station sits at the campground entrance. This is where you check in, get current trail conditions, and learn about any closures. The ranger at Roaring Brook is your last point of contact before heading up to Chimney Pond or the summit routes, so take time to ask questions. Vault toilets and a potable water spigot are available. There are no showers, electricity, or hookups.
The campground also serves as a day-use trailhead, which means the parking area fills early on summer mornings. Campers have a significant advantage, your parking spot is guaranteed, and you can be on the trail before the day-use crowd arrives. The Chimney Pond Trail begins at the far end of the parking area, marked by a large trailhead sign.
If your goal is the Knife Edge, camp at Roaring Brook and start hiking to Chimney Pond before dawn. This puts you at the base of the Helon Taylor Trail early, and you can complete the Knife Edge traverse before afternoon thunderstorms develop, a critical safety consideration in summer.
Things to Do
The Chimney Pond Trail is the primary route from Roaring Brook, climbing 3.3 miles and 1,400 feet to Chimney Pond Campground in Katahdin’s Great Basin. From Chimney Pond, you can access the Knife Edge via the Dudley Trail to Pamola Peak, the Cathedral Trail straight up the headwall, or the Saddle Trail to the Tableland and Baxter Peak. A Knife Edge traverse with descent via the Saddle Trail is a classic 8-10 hour loop.
South Turner Mountain is the best shorter hike from Roaring Brook. The 2-mile trail gains about 1,600 feet to a rocky summit at 3,122 feet with an unobstructed view across the Great Basin to Katahdin’s summit ridgeline. On clear days, this is one of the best viewpoints in the park, and the round trip takes most hikers three to four hours.
Sandy Stream Pond, a short walk from camp, is a legendary moose-watching spot. The marshy pond attracts moose to feed on aquatic plants, especially at dawn and dusk. On a good morning, you might see two or three moose wading in the shallows. Bring binoculars and keep your distance. These are wild animals and they deserve space.
The Roaring Brook parking area has a strict vehicle limit. On summer weekends, it fills by 7 AM and the road is closed to new vehicles. If you are camping here, you are fine, your spot is reserved. But if you are trying to day-hike, arrive before the gate opens at 6 AM to guarantee a spot.
When to Go
Spring
Snow and ice persist on upper trails into June. Lower trails open in mid-May. Bugs are heavy through mid-June.
Summer
July and August are prime. Best weather for Knife Edge and summit routes. Start early to beat afternoon storms.
Fall
September is excellent, fewer crowds, no bugs, clear skies. October brings cold nights and early campground closure.
Winter
Campground closed November through mid-May. The road is not plowed.
Getting There
From the Togue Pond Gate, follow the park perimeter road to the Roaring Brook Road junction. Turn onto Roaring Brook Road and drive approximately 8 miles to the campground at the road’s end. The road is unpaved and narrow with a 20 mph speed limit. Allow about 30 minutes from the gate.
The Togue Pond Gate is approximately 25 miles north of Millinocket on Baxter State Park Road. The gate opens at 6 AM during peak season. From Bangor, the total drive to the gate is about 90 minutes; from Portland, about four and a half hours.
Sandy Stream Pond, the famous moose-watching pond, is less than half a mile from camp. Walk over at first light, moose are almost always there in summer. The trail is flat and easy. Bring a tripod if you are into photography, because the light at dawn on the pond with moose and Katahdin in the background is world-class.
Roaring Brook Camping Packing List
- Three-season tent with full rainfly
- 25-degree sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad (ground is rocky)
- Water filter or purification system
- Camp stove and fuel
- Trekking poles for summit routes
- Rain jacket and warm layers
- Headlamp for early morning starts
- Bear-proof food storage
- Binoculars for moose watching at Sandy Stream Pond
FAQ
What trails start from Roaring Brook?
The Chimney Pond Trail (3.3 miles to the Great Basin), South Turner Mountain Trail (2 miles to summit), Russell Pond Trail (7 miles to Russell Pond), and the Sandy Stream Pond trail. From Chimney Pond, you can access the Knife Edge, Cathedral Trail, and Saddle Trail.
Can I do the Knife Edge as a day hike from Roaring Brook?
Yes, and this is the most common way to do it. Hike to Chimney Pond, ascend the Helon Taylor Trail to Pamola, traverse the Knife Edge to Baxter Peak, descend via the Saddle Trail back to Chimney Pond, and return to Roaring Brook. Plan for 10-12 hours total.
Are reservations required?
Yes. All Baxter State Park campgrounds require reservations, which open on a rolling four-month basis. Roaring Brook is competitive but slightly easier to book than Katahdin Stream.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are prohibited throughout Baxter State Park.
What about bears?
Black bears are present in Baxter State Park. Store all food in bear-proof containers or hang it from the provided bear cables. Never leave food unattended. The ranger will brief you on current bear activity.
