Hiking The Traveler, Maine - panoramic view
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Hiking in The Traveler, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Maine Highlands • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 20 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
8 km
Elevation
1,079 m
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
1,175 m

Maine's eighth-most prominent peak awaits: 8 km, 1,079 m elevation gain, moderate difficulty in the Baxter State Park wilderness. This 4.5-hour mountain massif features multiple summits and ridge systems with exposed granite scrambles and expansive backcountry views across the Maine Highlands.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore The Traveler, Maine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

{
"remove_paragraph": "The Traveler stands as Maine's eighth-most prominent peak, rising dramatically from the wilderness of Baxter State Park in Piscataquis County. This distinctive mountain earned its name from 19th-century loggers who noticed how the distant summit seemed to move alongside them as they floated timber down the East Branch of the Penobscot River—a visual trick that any prominent landmark creates when viewed from a moving vantage point.",
"replacement_paragraph": "The Traveler stands as Maine's eighth-most prominent peak and the state's highest volcanic mountain, rising to 3,541 feet from the wilderness of Baxter State Park in Piscataquis County. The mountain's distinctive complex ridge system and multiple summits create a substantial mountain massif rather than a single summit experience."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
46.07277, -68.844613
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at the South Branch Pond Campground. The address is Baxter State Park, T6 R9 WELS, ME 04462. This location serves as a primary trailhead for the area.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
46.07277, -68.844613
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
3 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Beautiful mountain with stunning views! The 8km trail through Maine Highlands offers incredible scenery, though the 1079m elevation gain makes it quite challenging. Starting from South Branch Pond Campground, the moderate difficulty hike takes about 5 hours but rewards you with breathtaking panoramic vistas. Worth every step despite the entry fees.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Beautiful trail with stunning views! The 8km hike with 1079m elevation gain is definitely challenging but worth every step. Starting from South Branch Pond Campground in Baxter State Park, the moderate difficulty rating is accurate. The 4-6 hour duration gives you time to appreciate the Maine Highlands scenery. Just note that parking and access require fees, and dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
BB
Barb Barb
Oct 23, 2015
Beautifull

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
1079.00 M
1175.00 M
4h30
No
No
The Traveler is rated as moderate difficulty with 1079 m of elevation gain over 8 km, which requires a good fitness level and hiking experience. It is not recommended for absolute beginners, but hikers with some experience and reasonable fitness can complete it.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
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Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Update : June 2026