About Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies that have attracted humans for millennia.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is open year-round. From mid-November to late May, the north entrance and Katahdin Loop Road are closed to wheeled vehicles. Two gates on the Swift Brook Road leading to the southern sections of the monument are managed by a neighboring timber company and may be closed to wheeled vehicles as well from mid-November to late May.
Activities
Getting There
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine. Drive approximately 1.5 hours north of Bangor, Maine to reach Route 11 (Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway). Route 11 is the main route to the entrances to the park. Take Route 11 to Route 159 and Grand Lake Road to access the North Entrance. Follow Route 11 to Swift Brook Road to enter the South Entrance. Take Route 11 to Route 159 and American Thread Road to access the Seboeis Parcel.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike the International Appalachian Trail
Hike a segment of the International Appalachian Trail that connects the southern section to the northern section of the monument.
Stargaze at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Enjoy stargazing in an International Dark Sky Sanctuary with some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi!
Hike To Barnard Mountain
Hike to the top of 1,558ft Barnard Mountain for a magnificent and expansive viewpoint of Katahdin Lake and Mt. Katahdin.
Bike the Katahdin Loop Road
The Katahdin Loop Road is a 17 mile loop starting on the Swift Brook Road past Sandbank Stream Campground.
Enjoy the vast and diverse scenery of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by biking the 17 mile Katahdin Loop…
Fall Colors
Explore ways to enjoy beautiful fall colors at Katahdin Woods and Waters.
This activity can be done from a vehicle, non-motorized watercraft, on foot, or by bike.
Hike To Orin Falls
Hike to Orin Falls for a magnificent view of a cascading waterfall.
Visitor Centers
Tekakapimək Contact Station
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is located in the southern section of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, within the homeland and ancestral territory of Penobscot Nation.…
Hours: The contact station is generally open from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. These dates are subject to change depending on road conditions.
Campgrounds
Big Seboeis Campsite
Access this scenic primitive backcountry campsite located next to the East Branch of the Penobscot River by boating in or hiking in. This location cannot…
Big Spring Brook Campsite
Primitive backcountry campsite along the East Branch of the Penobscot River that is only accessible by boat. Big Spring Brook is located approximately 10.7 miles…
Big Spring Brook Hut
A beautiful log cabin tucked away in the heart of the forest of Katahdin Woods and Waters NM. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Plan for…
Esker Campsite
Hike or bike approximately 2.2 miles from the Wassataquoik Gate to the Esker Campsite. This campsite is located in a forested area on the bank…
Grand Pitch Lean-to
A backcountry lean-to along the International Appalachian Trail and Grand Pitch Portage. Grand Pitch Lean-to is located 3.6 miles from Haskell Gate.
Haskell Deadwater Campsite
Backcountry campsite along the banks of Haskell Deadwater and the Haskell Rock Pitch Portage.
Haskell Hut
A small log cabin on a hill with a beautiful view of Haskell Deadwater. Here, you can enjoy the sounds and sights of the woods…
Katahdin Brook Lean-to
This campsite is tucked in just off the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) on Barnard Mountain Trailhead, approximately 0.4 miles from the trailhead. This is the…
Lunksoos Campsites
The Lunksoos campground area has a total of 7 campsites near the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Campsite 1 is an ADA site, sites…
Lunksoos Mountain Lean-To
A rugged lean-to site within the heart of the backcountry of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
Pond Pitch Campsite
A rustic backcountry campsite overlooking the majestic Pond Pitch and wild East Branch of the Penobscot River.
Sandbank Stream Campground
Sandbank Stream Campground has 3 campsites. It is located approximately 10 miles from the intersection of Route 11 and Swift Brook Road, near the beginning…
Stair Falls Campsite
A primitive campsite with access to the East Branch of the Penobscot River. The site has a picnic table, food storage locker, and fire pit.…
Upper East Branch Campsite
A large walk-in campsite located along the East Branch of the Penobscot River with access to the river. Picnic tables are available for campers, as…
Wassataquoik Campsite
A beautiful primitive hike or bike in campsite located next to Katahdin Brook along the International Appalachian Trail. The campsite is near the Wassataquoik Lean-to…
Wassataquoik Lean-to
A lean-to (a raised, 3-sided log shelter structure with a roof) campsite along the International Appalachian Trail near the Wassataquoik Stream. The site is 0.9…
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