A Weekend in Millinocket



This rock signals the entrance to the park is imminent.

This past weekend, my family and I trekked to Millinocket, Maine or as I like to refer to it, the southern gateway (Togue Pond Gate) to Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin. This was planned as a quick trip for a family reunion on Saturday.

Millinocket is also home to the Pelletier family— lumberjacks who are featured in the Discovery Channel’s American Loggers.

Ribs at Ruthie's

We stayed at Ruthie’s Hotel Terrace in Millinocket. It was inexpensive and very homey. Ruthie made certain her guests had what they needed to be comfortable. At her restaurant, attached to the hotel, she offered a variety of well made, affordable meals and homemade baked goods (the doughnuts made to order – crispy on the outside, cake-like on the inside).

We should have taken all our meals at Ruthie’s. Comparatively speaking, our dinners on Friday and Saturday night were a disappointment. One establishment boasted they had the best burger in Millinocket and you could have it prepared anyway you liked—so long as you liked it charred, dry and crumbly.

Sunday we spent the day at Baxter State Park. Mount Katahdin is a haven for hikers, campers and photographers. There are trails for the novice and the experienced walker.

We had hoped to spy a moose. Unfortunately, a whole day was spent in the park but we did not see any signs of moose. But it didn’t matter; we still had a terrific day.

Our first stop was Sandy Stream Pond, an eight mile ride north of the Togue Pond Gate entrance and then an easy hike.



Sandy Pond Vista



Sandy Pond



Little Niagara

Next, we backtracked and went northwest from the Togue Pond Gate to Little Niagara Falls. The path to the falls was a bit more challenging but we weren’t deterred. It was worth the walk.

I’ve been to Mount Katahdin a number of times, and I’m always awed by the scenery and the clarity of the water. Every pond, every stream, is crystal clear. If you haven’t been, I suggest making the trip.

Does anyone care to take a hike?