Chimney Pond Trail
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trail Type | linear |
| Distance | 3.2 miles (5.2 km) |
| Estimated Time | 2 hrs one way |
| Surface Type | forested, rock |
| Elevation Range | 1,329 feet (405 m) |
| Total Ascent | 1,421 feet (433 m) |
| Features | pond, mountain |
| Trail Markers | blue paint |
| Scenery Rating | must see |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | none |
| Dog Friendly | on a leash |
| Fees | park entrance |
Description
The Chimney Pond Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park because it accesses five out of seven trails that climb Mount Katahdin.
The Chimney Pond Trail enters the woods behind the Ranger Station at Roaring Brook Campground. The trail soon takes a sharp turn to the left when it reaches Roaring Brook. The trail is relatively flat at the start with a slight incline. After a short distance the Helon Taylor Trail climbs into the woods on the left. The trail becomes progressively more rocky and slightly more inclined as in continues to follow Roaring Brook.
The trail crosses a tributary to Roaring Brook providing the first views of Mount Katahdin in the distance. At about the half way mark there is a large boulder beside the trail. Almost directly across from the boulder is a short side trail on the right. This trail takes you out to a barren rocky hill that provides spectacular views of Hamlin Ridge and Blueberry Knoll tucked into North Basin.
Not far past the lookout the trail passes by Basin Ponds on the right. After the ponds the trail passes by the North Basin Trail on the right that will take you to Blueberry Knoll. Continue straight and the trail once again starts to follow along another stream, crossing it several times on bridges. The trail passes by another small pond called Dry Pond and soon after passes by the Hamlin Ridge Trail on the right.
The trail soon comes out into a small field at the Chimney Pond Campground. Continue straight and you will come to the Ranger Station by Chimney Pond. Make sure you go down to the shore of the pond to see some of the most amazing views of Mount Katahdin towering overhead in almost all directions. From near the Ranger Station you can access the Saddle Trail, Cathedral Trail and Dudley Trail.
Directions
For directions to the park go to the Baxter State Park page.
The Chimney Pond Trail is accessed from the Roaring Brook Campground parking lot. This is the busiest parking lot in the park because it accesses most of the trails up Mount Katahdin. Parking reservations are required unless you are camping at Roaring Brook Campground. You can find more information about parking reservations here.
To access the Roaring Brook Campground from the Togue Pond Gatehouse turn right just past the gatehouse. Drive for 7.9 miles (12.7 km) and you will come to Roaring Brook Campground. Park here. You will find the start of the Chimney Pond Trail off the end of the parking lot past the Campground office.
Other Trails in the Park
- Abol Trail
- Cathedral Trail
- Doubletop Mountain Trail
- Dudley Trail (Closed)
- Helon Taylor Trail
- Hamlin Ridge Trail
- Hunt Trail
- Knife Edge Trail
- Marston Trail
- Mount Coe Trail
- North Basin Trail
- Northwest Basin Trail
- Saddle Trail
- Traveler Loop Trail
- Trail Last Hiked: August 5, 2017
- Page last updated: March 28, 2020