Turner Mountain

Overview

The three peaks of Turner Mountain are to the immediate east of Katahdin and the valley of the south branch of Wassataquoik Stream. The trailess north peak overlooking Wassataquoik Stream is 3323 ft. high, the popular South peak is 3123 feet (The U.S. geodetic survey says 3130 feet) and the trailess East Peak which is hard to get to is 2441 feet and is in the realm of the County highpointers. The East peak exceeds Mt. Chase by 1 foot and thus is a challenge to those seeking the high point of Penobscot County Maine. The North and South Peaks are in Piscataquis county. The South


Peak is served by a trail that ascends from Sandy Stream Pond and is accessible to anyone with a good set of lungs and determination. The North and South peaks are two miles apart and separated by a deep saddle. The open South peak offers superb views of Ktaadn and Baxter Park. In July of 1965, I recall the tragedy of the two small Mott children who were camping at Roaring Brook. The five year old who was diabetic and the 3 year old disapeared into the forest. The parents and the rangers searched to no avail. Many came and eventually searched the slopes of Turner Mountain (I later talked some of the searchers). After a long time, maybe years, their bodies were found not far from the campground. The east side of Turner contains a rather well developed glacial cirque which is a bit unusual considering its height. It is not visible from the park.

Getting there

Drive up from Portland along route 1 and enjoy the coastal scenery and lazy traffic or drive up I 95 in either case reach Bangor( pronounce the last syllable as "ore"). From Bangor drive up I 95 to Meday about 60 miles and take Route 11 west to Millinocket about 12 miles. From there follow the Baxter State Park road to the Togue Pond Gatehouse about 20 miles. Having paid your out of state visitor fee at the gatehouse-between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.?, you then turn right and northeast and drive along the base of Ktaadn for 8 miles on a gravel road (15mph) until you reach Roaring Brook with its tenting and leanto sites. When hiking leave your destination at the Rangers Station as a courtesy to those who would search and attempt you rescue. Follow the trail northeast from the Ranger's station toward Sandy Stream Pond. Admire the view of Turner, Moose and/or fly fish for trout in the pond. Having procrastinated in this manner. walk up Turner reaching a boulder field right away after Sandy Stream Pond. Ascend the mountain steeply and come to the summit area. Will require some scrambling-sort of class 3 and the summit is yours after gaining about 1700 feet. Distance from ranger station to South Turner Summit-2 miles.

Red Tape

Winter time is difficult in Baxter Park. Snowshoes or skis would be the order of the day and a permit and party size limitations would be required. During the summer, this is a nice afternoon hike and is a good alternative to Katahdin if you get to Roaring Brook too late to hike Katahdin.

When To Climb

Most climb in the summer or fall. In the winter this peak would be well defended by the elements. Cut off times for KATAHDIN
Trailhead June & July Aug. Sept. Oct.
Katahdin Stream 12:00 Noon 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM
Abol 12:00 Noon 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM
Roaring Brook 12:00 Noon 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM
Chimney Pond 1:00 PM 12:00 Noon 11:00 AM 10:00 AM

Another reason to climb Turner.

Weather

alt="Click for Millinocket, Maine Forecast" height=94 width=185>

Camping

Camp at Roaring Brook
The Reservations Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, not open including Holidays. During our peak season from Memorial Day through the Saturday of Columbus Day week-end, the Reservation Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, including Holidays.

Reservations can also be made by mail to:
Baxter State Park
Reservations
64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, ME 04462
(207)723-5140

Baxter State Park Wildlife Sanctuary

Baxter State Park Wild Life Sanctuary

”The conveyances of land for Baxter state Park to the State(of Maine) made prior to 1955 by Ex-governor Baxter contain a provision that the area shall be kept in a “natural wild state and as a sanctuary for wild beasts and birds” and that trapping and hunting but not fishing are prohibited. In fact 90,000 acres surrounding the Katahdin region was made a game preserve on May 1, 1922(Revised Statutes, Chapter 38, section 90). This litany of statutes continues so that by 1949 the Maine Legislature revised the boundaries of the Katahdin Wild Life Sanctuary to make it coextensive with the then State-owned land. In the early 1960’s the Sanctuary boundaries were marked by large red metal signs and blue blazes.

In 1981, A joint session of the Legislature commemorated the 1931 park stating:

Whereas, on March 3, 1931, the former Governor Percival P. Baxter deeded to the State of Maine 5960 acres of land, which included Mount Katahdin….
Whereas, in the 31 years that followed, Governor Baxter acquired an additional
195, 058 acres which were given to the people of Maine….
Whereas, during his lifetime he donated over $1,500,000 to maintain this land and, on his death, he left the bulk of his estate, a trust of over $10,000,000 to forever assist in maintaining the park, and to assure that it shall forever be kept in the natural wild state;” and whereas, the acquisition and deeding to the State of over 200,00 acres was an achievement unparalleled by any individual in the United States:...

Where to view Tuner

From the Penobscot where I-95 crosses and route 11 up the East Branch.
Also from Ambajejus and Millinocket Lakes. From Katahdin and Katahdin Lake
Sandy Stream Pond, Russell Pond and Traveler Mtn.

Prominence

Prominence: 1723 feet. Prominence is the difference between the summit elevation and the lowest countour surrounding the peak in question and which surrounds no higher peak than the one in question. The key col is Whidden Pond just west of Turner Mountain

Images

View Turner Mountain Image Gallery - 22 Images