in the often unforgiving winter environment of the park. The park is open to overnight summer camping from May 15 to October 15 and winter camping from December 1 to March 31. Only northbound long distance Appalachian Trail hikers can stay in the park without reservations; they are limited to one night's stay at The Birches camping area, which is limited to the first twelve hikers to sign in at an information kiosk several southbound trail miles away just inside the park's southern boundary. In addition to hiking and camping, approximately 25% of the park is open to hunting and trapping (with the exception of moose hunting). Park ponds and streams are open to either fly fishing or general law fishing as determined by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Baxter State Park Authority. Snowmobiling is permitted on the Tote Road, the dirt road connecting the park's south gate at Togue Pond and the north gate at Matagamon. The park also includes a Scientific Forest Management Area of located in its northwest corner. Park donor Percival Baxter directed that this area be managed for exemplary forest management. The area has been under active management for over 20 years and conducts sustainable, Forest Stewardship Council-certified management. Police protection within the park is provided by the park's Law Enforcement Ranger staff and local Maine IF&W Wardens. Fire protection is provided by the Maine Forest Service; waste disposal and recycling is addressed through the park's Carry-In, Carry-Out policy. Maintenance is done by the many volunteer workers and paid employees of the park. References Katahdin Section, Guide to the Appalachian Trail in Maine, 7th Edition, Myron Avery, Helon Taylor, and Jean Stephenson Soares, Liz. All for Maine: The Story of Governor Percival P. Baxter. Windswept House Publishers (1996). External links Official Baxter State Park website Friends of Baxter State Park website State parks of Maine North Maine Woods Protected areas of Piscataquis County, Maine State parks of the Appalachians Appalachian Trail Penobscot River Protected areas established in 1931 1931 establishments in Maine Campgrounds in Maine Baxter family