Home / Hikes & Wanderings / Maine / South Turner
South Turner lies directly across from Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. Though not as tall, it’s also not as tough to reach the summit, but the views from the top are just as magnificent. For those panoramic views of the saddle of Katahdin, this is your hike.
Distance: 3.8 miles
Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain 1,622 feet
Difficulty: Strenous
Dog Friendly: No dogs are allowed in Baxter State Park unfortunately.
Trailhead: Roaring Brook Campground, Baxter State Park
Hike Directions: From the Roaring Brook Campground and Trailhead, take the Chimney Pond Trail to the Russell Pond Trail and cross a bridge over a gushing stream with beautifully clear water. Stay on the Russell Pond Trail until it intersects with th Sandy Stream Trail. Veer right onto the Sandy Stream Trail and continue as the trail soon runs parallel to Sandy Stream, which boasts several dock areas to take photos and observe wildlife. This really is a sublime place to relax, take photos, and in early morning moose you may be lucky enough to spot a moose or three! The trail is flat and at times you’ll walk on puncheon to avoid the muck. 0.7 miles from the trailhead, turn right onto the South Turner Mountain Trail and follow it uphill for 1 mile to leave treeline, and another 0.3 miles to the summit. For such a short hike, it really is one of the most rewarding in all Baxter State Park, offering glorious views of Katahdin and on a clear day you may even be able to see the Atlantic Ocean from here! Return the way you came.
Scenery: 11/10!
The Rambling Wanderer 