Lower South Branch Pond from the North Ridge of North Traveler Mountain (2007)
Hiking Trail Signs (2007)
is the northern most campground in Baxter State Park. The site, in T5 R9 WELS township, offers tent sites, cabins, a bunkhouse. Canoeing and hiking provide opportunities for sweeping scenic views, and wildlife observation. Hiking trails are well marked as the signs at left attest. Black Cat Mountain or Traveler Mountain await a climb with rewards of views of surrounding mountain and ponds.
The pond nearest the primary campsite is Lower South Branch. Upper South Branch is accessible by hiking, canoeing, or, in winter, skiing either over land or pond.
Howe Brook flows down Traveler Mountain to Lower South Branch Pond. The brook creates two waterfalls, the larger upper falls and the smaller, lower falls and pools just two tenths of a mile off the Pogy Pond Trail south of the Pond. That trail leads south through Pogy Notch to Pogy Pond and a lean-to; then it continues on to Russell Pond Campground. The trip by trail from South Branch campground to Russell Pond is over eight miles.
Lower South Branch Pond (2009)
Lower South Branch Pond (2009)
Snow Covered Ice on Howe Brook Small Waterfall (’09)
The scenery is just as spectacular in winter when a few ambitious enthusiasts ski (some snowmibile) along the northern perimeter road to the bunkhouse, often sharing it with others. A ski trip across the frozen Upper and Lower South Branch ponds is invigorating and makes the wood stove in the bunk house a pleasant goal at the end of a day. Other Park campgrounds.
Bunkhouse Interior at South Branch Pond (2006)
Bunkhouse at South Branch Pond (2009)
Bunkhouse Interior at South Branch Pond (2009)