Ghost trains, Mt. Katahdin and more in wild Maine

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join our readers’ favorite RV travel vlogger, Traveling Robert, as he tours the wild parts of Maine, including a visit to Mount Katahdin, an exploration of ghost trains abandoned for more than 100 years, and much more. Watch the video to travel along vicariously.

Sometimes the best spots are found last-minute. Robert says Big Moose Inn, Cabins & Campground was one of those places. The folks running the place were super-friendly, and having a restaurant with live music right there was a huge plus. Also, the campground was right on a lake. The only minor downside? A bigger RV might’ve had some trouble with the tight turns.

Baxter State Park: Katahdin and Appalachian Trail dreams

The drive to Baxter State Park was all about the views. Mount Katahdin dominated the horizon. Stopping along the way to snap some photos was a must. Did you know “Katahdin” means “Great Mountain” in the Penobscot language?

The visitor center was a bit of a surprise—self-service. It did offer a map, but that was about it. Turns out, Baxter State Park has some serious rules and regulations. Parking reservations are needed for some trails, entrance fees are $16 a day, and season passes are available. These reservation systems can put a damper on spontaneous adventures.

Katahdin Stream Campground is a popular spot for hikers tackling the Appalachian Trail (AT). It’s mostly for tent camping, so RVs might have a tough time. The Hunt Trail, which is part of the AT, stretches an incredible 2,155 miles to Springer Mountain, Georgia. One thing to note: Baxter State Park is a pack-in/pack-out park, so there are no garbage facilities available.

Since hiking the AT wasn’t in the cards, a drive to Daisy Pond was the next best thing. The view of Mount Katahdin from there was stunning. The water was crystal clear, and it seemed like a perfect spot for camping.

Ghost Trains: A deep dive into Maine’s wilderness

An early start was needed for this adventure to see the Ghost Locomotives deep in the Maine woods.

Driving towards Baxter State Park, then onto Golden Road, Robert says it started to feel like the Dalton Highway in Alaska—remote and rugged. The Abol Bridge Campground was a nice spot, marking a crossing of the Appalachian Trail. Further on, a logging truck on a one-lane bridge added to the adventure. Finally, the Telos checkpoint was reached. This is where you register and pay a fee to access the North Maine Woods.

The North Maine Woods is managed by a private non-profit organization that balances logging with wilderness preservation. The roads got narrower and rougher, with no cell service.

Finally, the trailhead was reached. The hike was just under a mile to the tram and the ghost trains. The trail was well-marked with ribbons and blue blazes, winding through a dense forest. The boardwalk sections were muddy and a bit treacherous.

These relics of the Eagle Lake and West Branch Railroad, which operated from 1927 to 1933, were built to transfer pulpwood. The Great Depression led to their abandonment. Exploring the site, with its old boilers and decaying machinery, was like stepping back in time. A walk down to Eagle Lake offered a scenic view.

Knife’s Edge Brewing: A well-deserved reward

After a long day of exploring, a stop at Knife Edge Brewing was a must. The wood-fired oven promised great pizza. Cold IPAs and a delicious meal were the perfect way to end the day.

The next day, it was time to say goodbye to northern Maine, but not before a few quick stops, including Bangor, a viewing of Stephen King’s house, Dolby Pond, Augusta, and more.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:

• Train buffs’ bucket list trip: A visit to Golden Spike Tower
• Camp with the ghosts at this famous California ghost town
• The hidden rocks in Montana you can play like musical instruments
• Dare to RV around Nevada’s 370-mile ‘Death Drive’?
• The most unusual Midwest attractions and where to camp nearby

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