Russell Pond & Wassataquoik Stream Trails

Description

The Russell Pond Trail (7.1 miles) provides access to Russell Pond from the nearest road access at Roaring Brook Campground. It is primarily a valley trail, crossing just a few low ridges. From Roaring Brook Campground, the trail heads north, passing the junction with the Sandy Stream Pond Trail after a mile, and just after the junction, winds past Whidden Pond. The trail continues through the long balley between North and South Turner Mountains to the east, and Russell Mountain and the bulk of Katahdin to the west. After crossing over the South Branch of Wassataquoik Stream, it passes over the shoulder of Russell Mountain, then crosses Wassataquoik Stream via a ford. This ford of Wassataquoik Stream is typically knee-high, but can be dangerous at times of high water. The trail passes over Turner Brook before reaching Russell Pond.

The Wassataquoik Stream Trail (3.9 miles) provides an alternate route between Roaring Brook and Russell Pond campgrounds. It leaves the Russell Pond Trail 3.3 miles north of Roaring Brook, and follows the South Branch of the Wassataquoik Stream downstream to a point near its confluence with the main stem of the Wassataquoik. Here a ford is required. Because of this ford, this trail should not be used during the high waters of spring or after a very heavy summer rain. 

Two lean-tos are located on the south shore of the stream near the ford. Each has a 4-person capacity. North of the Wassataquoik Stream crossing, the trail follows the old Wassataquoik Tote Road. This leads north and west, soon passing through a series of old fields. These were associated with the New City, a large central logging and depot camp for the Draper operations of 1910-14. The fields have now reverted to young forest. The trail ends at a rejoining of the Russell Pond Trail, 0.4 miles from Russell Pond Campground.

For hikers traveling between Roaring Brook and Russell Pond, the Wassataquoik Stream Trail provides a means of creating a loop and seeing new terrain. The trail is only 0.4 miles longer than the less-scenic Russell Pond Trail, with little elevation gain or loss.

The fording of Wassataquoik Stream on both the Russell Pond Trail and the Wassataquoik Stream Trail can be very dangerous in high water, especially with packs. After prolonged rain or in spring run-off, or if there is any question about the water levels on the stream, hikers should check with a ranger regarding fording conditions before attempting a crossing. 

Other Information

Park Fees: See website for entrance and camping fees. [No entrance fee for Maine residents.]

Park Rules: See a more complete list here.

• All persons entering the Park by road or trail must register their entrance at a gatehouse or self-registration station
• The maximum size of hiking groups is 12 persons
• All groups of five or more persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by at least one adult, responsible for the supervision of a maximum of five youths
• For all trash: Carry-in; carry-out
• Where toilets are not available, human waste must be buried at least 200' from water and trails or carried out
• Pets or other domestic animals are not allowed in the Park, except for service dogs
• Camping is permitted by reservation only
• Fires or other cooking or heating devices are permitted only in designated campsites or picnic areas
• Hunting and trapping are prohibited within the Park (with some exceptions)
• Maine fishing laws apply within the Park
• No person may feed, bait, or disturb any animal within the Park
• Power equipment is prohibited (including generators)
• All vehicles must display an entrance permit while in the Park

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Baxter State Park website, or contact: