Burnt Mountain

For relatively little effort (for this park at least!), you can hike to a lovely view of Baxter’s peaks and valleys.

The 1.3-mile trail follows a wide path to the 1,796-foot summit, along a weathered old road to the former fire tower that stood on the now view-less peak. (All that remains of this structure are the concrete feet.) The climb is fairly gradual until the final 0.25-mile push to the summit, when it gets a bit steeper. After arriving at the remains of the tower, the path continues a hundred yards or so beyond it to an open rock ledge with views. The elevation gain is 710 feet.

Here’s a great hiking resource to Baxter State Park, and a great map.

Directions: From the Matagamon Gate, the trail head is about 13.7 miles down the Park Tote Road. The trailhead and small parking area is on the left.

Posted on October 17, 2020 and last updated on August 04, 2026