Rocky Ponds Trail

Peaceful walk through mossy coniferous forest from Kidney Pond to Rocky Pond and Little Rocky Pond in Baxter State Park.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking
Length
1.10 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
T3 R10 WELS
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging, Grass
Pets
Not Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

The Rocky Ponds trail originates from Kidney Pond Campground and leads northwest to the south shore of Rocky Pond, then swings west and terminates on the southwest shore of Little Rocky Pond. From the campground parking area, a level, well worn trail enters the woods, crossing extensive bog bridging after 0.2 miles. The dense coniferous forest in this region is carpeted with thick green moss, giving it a rain forest appearance. After 0.6 miles the trail reaches a canoe landing on the south shore of Rocky Pond. Canoes here may be rented from the Ranger at Kidney Pond Campground. There are good views of Doubletop, Moose Mountain and O-J-I.  

From the canoe landing, the trail swings west along the shore of Rocky Pond, then more northerly over a low ridge. At 1.2 miles the trail ends on the south shore of Little Rocky Pond. An obscure, unmaintained fisherman's trail (not shown on map) leads 0.9 miles west to Polly Pond, providing more adventurous hikers with more to explore.

Other Information

Park Fees: See website for entrance and camping fee schedule. [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 or carried out
  • Pets or other domestic animals are not allowed in the Park
  • 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.

Baxter State Park Authority

Baxter State Park Authority
64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: (207) 723-5140
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Keep Maine green and clean! Pick up trash, even if it's not yours. Leave soon-to-be trash like excess packaging, stickers, and twist ties at home.
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Trailhead Information

The Rocky Ponds trailhead is located in Kidney Pond Campground which is best accessed from the Togue Pond Gatehouse (South Gate) of Baxter State Park. 

From downtown Millinocket: Travel 16 miles northwest on the paved Baxter Park Road to the Togue Pond Gatehouse, passing buildings and Northwoods Trading Post on the right after eight miles. After entering the park at Togue Pond Gate, bear left and continue onto the Park Tote road for 10.4 miles. After 10 miles, pass the left turn to Daicey Pond, stay on the Tote Road for another 0.4 miles and then turn left toward Kidney Pond Camps. The trailhead is located 1 mile down this road on the right at the first parking area in the camp.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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