Ranger station at Chimney Pond (2001)
Established in 1938, Chimney Pond campground, one of the “backcountry” sites in Baxter State Park, is a 3.3 mile hike from Roaring Brook campground, the location for nearest automobile access. It has its own ranger station, lean-tos and one bunkhouse, but no showers.
This spot offers the best and closest access to the east side mountain trails: Hamlin Ridge, North Basin, Dudley (to Pamola Peak), and Saddle and Cathedral (to Baxter Peak). The Welcome sign below provides some basic information to visitors, many of whom have arrived via the trail from Roaring Brook Campground (photo on right below).
The Pond itself is shallow, created by glaciers. It sits at the base of two thousand feet of granite walls surrounding the South Basin. Viewed from Baxter Peak, it is a small blue spot, but from the shore it is a peaceful pond at the base of spectacular sheer cliffs. Other Park campgrounds.
Great Basin on the Chimney Pond Trail (2001)
Chimney Pond from Baxter Peak (1999)