Charlie Libby 2106/12 Hancock Grammar School Mrs. Leighton

Maine Vacationland

Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is one of the best places to visit not only in Maine, but in all the US. It is a great state park that contains, among other things: Mount Katahdin, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, amazing wildlife, and places to camp.

5,268 foot Mt. Katahdin is the tallest mountain in Maine. All peaks have hiking trails that include the northern part of the Appalachian Trail. Along one trail is Knife’s Edge, a narrow ridge. Nineteen people have died there, so I recommend that you go there to watch rather than do. Many of the trails, though, are perfect hiking spots, with the gorgeous surrounding wildlife and strenuous or easy hikes.

If you want to go hike into the forest, you’ll probably see deer, bears, squirrels,

• foxes, birds, bobcats, and more. If you choose to go near lakes and rivers, you might be able to see beavers at their dams or catch a glimpse of a moose. There are multiple lakes at waterfalls inside the park, and with a walk you can see them anytime.

If you want to go camping, then autumn is the best time to go. You can see the leaves turning gold and red before they fall, and it’s not too cold to out canoeing. In the summer, the plants and trees (which include spruce, fir, and what seems like every type of tree on the planet) around you will all be a lush green. There are sites where you can set up your tent, stay in a lean-to, or stay in a log cabin. No matter where you are, you will be surrounded by the beautiful forest and animals.

I have gone camping at Baxter State Park three times, for a few days each time. I went in the fall, and the forest around our tent was just shedding its leaves. While there, I went on the lake in a canoe, saw several beaver dams, went for hikes along the trails, ate hot dogs by the fire, and saw many animals (including a fox that wandered onto our campsite). I remember playing on rocks near our campsite, and skipping rocks on the lake. My family has had a great time every time we went. Some people say that Baxter State Park is too boring and not modern enough, because there are no modern technologies inside. I disagree, thinking that it is only people who can’t take care of themselves that say that.

If you are looking for a vacation spot in Maine, I recommend Baxter State Park. The entire family can have a great time in one of the best camping places there is. It

Charlie Libby 2/06/12 Hancock Grammar School Mrs. Leighton

has nature that is more untouched than almost all state parks, and I honestly can’t think of any other place that I would go for vacation.