Kettle Pond Trail

Description

The Kettle Pond Trail weaves through a series of scenic ponds formed by huge isolated chunks of glacial remains, which depressed the ground and formed these kettle ponds. These, plus the huge esker that the Park Tote Road follows through this area, are the visible reminders of the powerful forces unleashed during the last ice age. These features forge the Kettle Pond Trail into one of the most interesting in this part of Baxter State Park. The views of the south wall of Katahdin loom over the landscape, dominating the incredible beauty of the area.  

The Kettle Pond Trail parallels the Park Tote Road in this area. The trail can be hiked as a short, leisurely day hike or combined with several other area trails to make a longer hike.  

The east end of the trail terminates on the Park Tote Road near Kettle Pond. The west terminus is on the Park Tote Road near the Abol Beach Day Use Area. Cars may be parked at either end. The trail traverses level country but does cross several low, glacially formed ridges. The trail is blue-blazed.

Other Information

Park Fees: See website for entrance and camping fees. [No entrance fee for Maine residents.]

Park Rules: See a more complete list here.

• All persons entering the Park by road or trail must register their entrance at a gatehouse or self-registration station
• The maximum size of hiking groups is 12 persons
• All groups of five or more persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by at least one adult, responsible for the supervision of a maximum of five youths
• For all trash: Carry-in; carry-out
• Where toilets are not available, human waste must be buried at least 200' from water and trails or carried out
• Pets or other domestic animals are not allowed in the Park, except for service dogs
• Camping is permitted by reservation only
• Fires or other cooking or heating devices are permitted only in designated campsites or picnic areas
• Hunting and trapping are prohibited within the Park (with some exceptions)
• Maine fishing laws apply within the Park
• No person may feed, bait, or disturb any animal within the Park
• Power equipment is prohibited (including generators)
• All vehicles must display an entrance permit while in the Park

Trail Manager

This trail is within Baxter State Park. For more information and detailed trail maps, please visit Baxter State Park Authority's website.