Frost Pond Trail

Frost Pond Trail is a remote 4.0-mile remote hiking route in the northern, wilder section of Baxter State Park, administered by the Baxter State Park Authority. It’s laid out as a backcountry, heavily wooded walk built around reaching pond country for fishing and quiet water-side stops.

The walk begins off the main Park Tote Road in Baxter’s Scientific Forest Management Area, with walk-in access starting directly from the Tote Road. Plan on staying on the trail—there are nearby connections that can change your route length if you choose to link up.

Expect true backcountry trail conditions rather than a corridor walk: the route runs through dense woods, and it can need periodic brushing and blowdown clearing by park crews. If you’re going in during shoulder seasons, expect more vegetation pressure than on the park’s main paths.

This is short but specific—an out-and-back or simple loop-style trip designed as a “member route” into Frost Pond-area terrain, not a day of town-to-town hiking. For hikers aiming to cover multiple short park routes, the route’s Tote Road access makes it easy to stitch into a longer plan.

If you want to stay overnight in the area, remember Baxter’s backcountry camping is reservation-based and involves lean-tos and remote tent sites. Non-day-use stays require careful prep because there’s no nearby infrastructure right on the trail corridor.

The route is managed for wilderness use, and the park warns that wildlife—including black bears—is present and often seldom seen. Keep a conservative approach to food storage and waste handling on a route like this where you’re away from frequent human traffic.

More information: Conditions, Map, Map