Now You Can Own an Authentic Baxter State Park Trail Sign

If you’re hunting for the ultimate Appalachian Trail souvenir, you may be in luck. Friends of Baxter State Park is auctioning decommissioned trail signs from some of the Park’s most iconic footpaths.

Now through December 4th, you can bid on placards from the Abol, Dudley, and Cathedral trails (and many more). A fiberglass model of Katahdin, which graced the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station until 2017, is also up for auction.

baxter state park trail sign

This year’s event marks FBSP’s fourth annual trail sign auction. The group will donate half the proceeds directly to the Park, and the remainder will support Friends programs.

Friends of Baxter State Park (FBSP) is a private organization founded in 2000 that supports the Park through fundraising, advocacy, volunteer work, and scientific research. According to the group’s mission statement, “Friends of Baxter State Park is an independent citizen group with a mission to preserve, support, and enhance the wilderness character of Baxter State Park in the spirit of its founder, Governor Percival Baxter.”

The group has been instrumental in advancing biodiversity research within the Park, supporting trail repair efforts, and engaging the public with initiatives such as the Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program.

According to FBSP Executive Director Aaron Megquier, “We know that many people feel a really strong connection to the Park and would love to have something at home to help them remember their favorite places. For someone who has happy memories of a favorite campsite, mountain, or fishing spot, being able to own a sign from that place is pretty special.”

baxter state park trail sign

This sign from the Dudley Trail is among the Baxter State Park trail signs up for auction.

Owning a Baxter State Park trail sign might sound like a dream come true, but they’re not exactly cheap. According to News Center Maine, some placards have sold for as much as $3,000 in past auctions. The Abol Trail sign is currently bidding for $660, and the Dudley Trail sign for a cool $1000.

But if you’re on a budget, you might still be able to snag a (relative) bargain. The Wadleigh Brook Trail sign is currently bidding at the low, low price of $150.

Each placard is an authentic Baxter State Park trail sign that was retired due to wear or trail reroutes. Twenty signs and the fiberglass 3D model of Katahdin are up for grabs. It’s not too late to enter a bid and support the Park. The auction closes at 10 PM ET on December 4th.

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