Today was perfect for a trip to Grafton Notch State Park to do some leaf peeping. One of our favorite spots in the park is the Spruce Meadow picnic area.
Katahdin Stream Falls
A spruce branch hangs over Katahdin Stream Falls. While bright sunny days are great for hiking, they’re not at all good for photographing waterfalls. I was lucky to arrive at the falls after the sun moved behind the clouds.
Kidney Pond Morning
Katahdin reflected in Kidney Pond early during a brisk October morning. I said this would be my last trip to Baxter for the season. Well…
Pretty in Pink
Barren Mountain, Katahdin and the Owl reflect the setting sun on a late October afternoon.
Step Falls
Step Falls in Newry, Maine on a warm October afternoon.
The Owl
The Owl is an often overlooked 3670-foot peak just next to Katahdin. The steep climb rewards hikers with great views of Katahdin and the Witherle Ravine to the east and a series of mountains to the west, including Barren, OJI, Mount Coe, North and South Brothers, Fort, and Doubletop. Views like this constantly remind me why Baxter State Park is such a special place to me, and why I come back again and again.
Katahdin from Lone Pine Cabin
Katahdin viewed through the window of my cabin on Kidney Pond. It was nice to have the wood stove. I woke up to a heavy frost and 28 degrees but was cozy warm through the night with a fire going.
OJI
Mount OJI reflects the pink light of sunset, as viewed from a kayak on Kidney Pond. I hiked to the summit a couple years ago. On this trip I hiked to the West Peak viewpoint to admire the fall foliage below. The first part of the trail traverses numerous very wet areas. My boots sank into the mud more than once, but the view made it all worth it!
Katahdin Stream Falls
Katahdin Stream Falls is on the Hunt (Appalachian) Trail, about a mile from the Katahdin Stream campground. I stopped by the falls on my way back from hiking the Owl.
Loon, Kidney Pond
I camped at Kidney Pond in Baxter. I took one of the Park kayaks out just before sunset and saw this loon.
light on the trail 