Baxter Woods

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Baxter Woods is a popular park located in the city of Portland, Maine.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is spread over 28 acres and was once a private estate owned by the Baxter family. The park is a great place to visit due to its serene atmosphere and beautiful walking trails that wind through the woods.

One of the most popular attractions in Baxter Woods is the Portland Trails network, which offers over 70 miles of trails that connect various parks and natural areas. These trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

Other points of interest in the park include the Baxter Memorial Fountain, which was built in honor of Percival Baxter, the former governor of Maine who donated the land for the park. The park is also home to a small pond and a variety of wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and birds.

Visitors to Baxter Woods can also take advantage of the many amenities available in the park, including picnic areas, tennis courts, and a playground for children. The park is a popular destination for families, joggers, and dog walkers.

The best time of year to visit Baxter Woods is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. The park is also open year-round and offers a variety of winter sports activities, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

In summary, Baxter Woods is a great place to visit for anyone looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities in the city of Portland, Maine. With its beautiful walking trails, wildlife, and amenities, the park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks