Baxter State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state, but it’s full of lesser-known things to see. If you have the right directions and a sense of adventure, you’re likely to find something new where you can explore the natural landscape on your own. Niagara Falls is one of these wonderful, hidden spots. The fun thing about this hike is that there are two ways to reach the falls – either a short, easy and direct hike or one that includes a fun paddle through a lake in the summer.
To reach these beautiful falls, you’ll make your way to Baxter State Park.
David Fulmer / Flickr Enter at the Togue Pond Gatehouse, where you’ll register. Go left where the road splits, then head 10 miles towards the Kidney Pond Campground. Make a left, then go less than a mile where you’ll park in the day use parking lot at the campground.
Little Niagara and Big Niagara are located at Nesowadnehunk Stream south of Lily Pad Pond.
David Socky / YouTube
There are two ways to reach the falls - the easiest begins at the Daicey Pond Campground, following the Appalachian Trail about 1 mile.
David Fulmer / Flickr The other, which is slightly more complicated, takes you on a nearly 5 mile hike that includes 1 mile of canoeing on Lily Pad Pond.
The Lily Pad Pond route is a wonderful option for a warm day and it’s fairly unfussy, though the trail includes some uneven ground.
Adam Hilliker / Flickr
For those who are looking for a quicker option, you’ll want to follow the Appalachian Trail along the Nesowadnehunk Stream from Daicey Pond Campground.
David Socky / YouTube
After about 1 mile through the woods you’ll reach a short side trail leading to Little Niagara Falls.
John Haynes / Flickr
“Little” is a bit of an understatement - these falls are just as beautiful as any that don’t include the word, “little!”
David Socky / YouTube
David Socky / YouTube
To reach Big Niagara Falls, you’ll hike another quarter of a mile to another side trail.
David Socky / YouTube
You’ll hear the falls before you see them!
David Socky / YouTube
You shouldn’t swim here, but the area is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy.
David Socky / YouTube
The trail back to the car is the same length, making the full out and back trip about 3 miles.
David Socky / YouTube
Once you’ve made it back to the start, there’s a lovely guided trail around Daicey Pond.
David Socky / YouTube Note: Daicey is a pond, not a lake.
And, in the summer, there are canoes on rent at the campground.
chrisgrier / Flickr
For a quick sneak peak of this trail, take a look at this video:
David Fulmer / Flickr
Enter at the Togue Pond Gatehouse, where you’ll register. Go left where the road splits, then head 10 miles towards the Kidney Pond Campground. Make a left, then go less than a mile where you’ll park in the day use parking lot at the campground.
David Socky / YouTube
The other, which is slightly more complicated, takes you on a nearly 5 mile hike that includes 1 mile of canoeing on Lily Pad Pond.
Adam Hilliker / Flickr
John Haynes / Flickr
Note: Daicey is a pond, not a lake.
chrisgrier / Flickr
Another wonderful hidden spot where you just might find yourself completely alone are the Debsconeag Ice Caves, which are also in Millinocket.
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