The Traveler (Piscataquis County)

Looking toward North Turner and Mt.Katahdin.

Physical Description:The Traveler, at 3,541 feet, is a towering massif that sits in the eastern side of Baxter State Park. Two other major peaks can be found on the mountain (North Traveler and Peak of the Ridges), both of which are also on the list. The mountain is the eighth most prominent peak in Maine.
The summit of the mountain is bare, covered in rock ledges and talus. The eastern side of the mountain is bald, with bare ledges and alpine meadows. Notable peaks that can be seen include Mt.Chase, Mt.Mooseleuk, South Branch Mountain, The Turners, Mt.Fort, North Brother, and of course, Mt.Katahdin and Hamlin Peak.
The South Branch Ponds sit just to the west of the mountain, between The Traveler and South Branch Mountain. The Fowler Ponds can be found to the north. The Howe Brook Trail ascends the middle basin of the mountain, and the trail is plentiful with swimming spots.

Trail Overview & Camping:The most common way of doing The Traveler is in a loop. This includes taking the Pogy Notch Trail to the Center Ridge Trail, and then following the Traveler Mtn Trail to North Traveler Trail. The loop is recommended counter-clockwise. Information for trails can be found at the campground. The trails are strenuous. 
Camping is available at South Branch Pond Campground. Also, a shelter can be found at the southern end of Upper South Branch Pond.

History & Lists:The Traveler has a curious name, but there is a reasonable explanation for it. The mountain was named by early loggers on the East Branch of the Penobscot River, who witnessed the mountain seemingly follow them downstream.
The Traveler was likely the highest volcanic mountain on the east coast. Mt.Katahdin is actually the remnants of the magma chamber that fueled the mountain. Henry David Thoreau even visited the area in the 1850s.
The Traveler itself is also on the New England 50 Finest/Most Prominent list, but it's neighboring peaks are not. All three are on the Views of Maine list.

GALLERY

North Traveler and Traveler Ridge from The Traveler.

Mt.Chase and Sugarloaf Mountain from The Traveler (looking east).

Katahdin from the western slope.

Looking toward Peak of the Ridges.

Looking southwest from the summit.

The summit area of The Traveler.

What Can Be Seen...

Looking southwest.

Does The Traveler pique your interest? Then you should get out there and do the loop. What about North Traveler and Peak of the Ridges? I have info on those too. Just click on their names for their separate info.