Hiking Chimney Pond Trail

Trail Name: Chimney Pond Trail

Location: Baxter State Park

Distance: 6.6 miles (in and out) 

Elevation gain: 1463 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Pets: Not allowed 

Last weekend, while my husband and I were vacationing (one of my frequently used made-up words) in Northern Maine, my parents visited. As a group, we’ve been talking all summer about re-hiking Katahdin, because of how much of a shit show it was last year (for various reasons). Ultimately, we decided that it would be best to do a shorter hike that provides great views of Katahdin. I was very, very excited about this decision, as I had already hiked Katahdin earlier in the week and had not yet recovered, mentally or physically.

If you have never hiked Katahdin, i’ll sum it up for you. Hiking Katahdin is like dating a very terrifying, very attractive person that you kind of want to keep dating just so you can see what happens. It’s very exciting, exhausting, and just overall crazy. Yet, so many people love to hike it. Personally, I can’t relate. I love to look at her, but I really don’t have the desire to put up with her. I will hike her MAYBE once every year or two, just for kicks, but I ain’t looking to upgrade our relationship any further than that.

To hike to Chimney Pond, you will need either a parking reservation for Roaring Brook parking lot (which are limited) or you will need to get to the Togue Pond Gate really, really early (i’m talking like 4:00 a.m.) to try and get a parking spot (which become available if a reservation does not show up). Once you get to the gate, you will take a right at the fork and drive all the way to the end of the road. This will bring you right to the Roaring Brook parking lot. There are restrooms (outhouses) available, which is nice. After parking, make sure to sign in at the ranger’s cabin. They have hikers sign in so they know who is hiking on the mountain and where. This way, they know where to go looking for you if you get lost or injured.

Right after the ranger’s cabin, you will see a fork in the trail accompanied by a trail sign. Going right at the sign will bring you to Sandy Stream Pond Trail, Whidden Pond, Wassataquoik Stream Trail, Russell Pond Campground, South Branch Campground, as well as South Turner Mountain. Going left brings you to the Helon Taylor Trail (which eventually meets up with the Knife’s Edge) and to Chimney Pond Trail, which connects to the Cathedral Trail, Saddle Trail, and the trail for Hamlin Ridge. We were headed for Chimney Pond, so we veered left.

The first mile or so is a nice, gradual climb that takes place next to Roaring Brook. The brook provides hikers with nice, tranquil background noise. There are a few rocks here and there, but the trail is mostly dirt at this point. Be sure to enjoy that while it lasts.

While ascending, you will find a lot of really neat trail features, such as: wooden platforms and walkways, rock stairs, streams, small ponds, etc. The first couple of miles are very enjoyable, due to the fluctuation in elevation. Although the trail continues to rise in elevation, it does so very gradually and provides much needed breaks every so often. At this point, the trail becomes quite rocky, which can be challenging for some. Be sure to wear the right footwear and bring poles if needed, for extra support.

About 2 miles into the hike, there will be a view point on the right. I strong encourage you to explore this view point, as it brings you to a stunning, crystal-clear pond. Surrounding the pond are gorgeous pine trees, as well as views of Pamola Peak, Baxter Peak, Hamlin Peak, Blueberry Knoll, etc. It is well worth the extra stop. I’m not sure if swimming is allowed in the pond, but I was ready to rip my clothes off and go for a swim. It’s that welcoming.

After Basin Pond, the trail continues to incline from 2,400 ft to 2,933 ft in about a mile. Before arriving at the pond, there will be a small field with a small picnic area. Continue straight, and you will find a ranger’s cabin followed by Chimney Pond. Brace yourself, as the views are truly breathtaking. If you’re like me, you will be in awe of the raw beauty that is the back side of Katahdin. I can truthfully say that I finally understand the saying “business in the front, party in the back”. Pictures will never do it justice. Baby got back, ya’ll. I don’t understand why so many people waste their time going up the front of Katahdin when the really party is happening on the back side. You heard it here first.

Chimney Pond Trail is actually one of the many trail options for hiking to Baxter Peak. Once you arrive at the pond, the trail connects with the Saddle Trail and the Cathedral Trail, both of which lead to Baxter Peak. There are also reservable lean-to’s and camp sites near Chimney Pond, which would be a great way to break up the hike to Baxter Peak into two days instead of just one. I told my husband that we are definitely spending the night at one of the lean-to’s or campsites the next time we hike Katahdin, so we can have a bit more time to explore.

Chimney Pond is an in-and-out trail, so we descended the same way we ascended. The whole trail is about 6.6 miles total. It took my parents and I about 3.5 hours to complete at a nice, gradual pace. I wouldn’t recommend doing this hike in the rain, due to the large amount of rocks you have to maneuver. I would also like to suggest wearing footwear with good traction. Lastly, if you’re not used to hiking on rocky trails, this trail may be quite difficult for you. The terrain is a lot different than hikes in Western and Southern Maine. Just something to keep in mind.

Overall, this hike is a great alternative to hiking Katahdin, because it provides great views for a lot less work and time. It’s also a fabulous day hike for anyone wishing to see the back side of Katahdin. I wouldn’t exactly call it kid-friendly or a good hike for beginners, due to the large amount of rocks on the trail.

Happy hiking, friends!