Mile-high Mount Katahdin, a granite monolith and Maine's highest mountain, rises in the southern half of Baxter State Park surrounded by the Cross Range and other peaks at the northern end of the 500-million-year-old Appalachian Mountain range. Numerous streams and ponds are scattered at its base. Mount Katahdin is well-known as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but numerous other trails crisscross Katahdin, and several longer trails course through the entire park, disclosing many wonders: waterfalls, mountain peaks, trout ponds, wildflowers, and historical sites.

Percival Baxter, born in Portland Maine, first climbed Mt. Katahdin in 1920. As the Governor of Maine (1921-1925) he tried unsuccessfully to gain state ownership. Between 1930-1963 he purchased the land with his own money then donated the 202,064 acres to the State of Maine, which would eventually become known as Baxter State Park. His only interest was that the area was to remain forever wild, so that future generations may enjoy the mountain.

"Man is born to die,
His works are short lived, Buildings crumble,
Monuments Decay, Wealth vanishes
But Katahdin in all its glory
Forever Shall Remain the Mountain Of the People of Maine"
Percival P. Baxter

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