OUTDOOR GEAR & OUTFITTERS GUIDE - KATAHDIN REGION
Welcome to the Katahdin Region Outdoor Gear & Wilderness Outfitters Travel Guide, your complete resource for finding the gear, rentals, outfitters, and guide services you need to explore Maine’s North Woods with confidence. This guide highlights the full range of outdoor resources available in the region—from locally owned gear shops and community-based equipment libraries to snowmobile and ATV rentals, paddling outfitters, and registered Maine guide services offering expert-led adventures.
Whether you’re gearing up for a Mount Katahdin hike, renting a snowmobile or ATV to ride miles of interconnected trails, borrowing cross-country skis for a winter outing, or booking a guided fishing, paddling, or backcountry trip, the Katahdin Region provides everything you need for four-season outdoor exploration.
Explore, gear up, and experience the wild landscapes, trails, rivers, and woods that make the Katahdin Region one of Maine’s premier outdoor destinations.
OUTDOOR GEAR RENTALS, LIBRARIES, SHOPS & WILDERNESS OUTFITTERS
This guide offers a great starting point! Many businesses here operate seasonally or adjust their hours throughout the year, so we encourage visitors to check the links provided for the most up-to-date information before planning their stop. Happy trip planning:-)
GEAR RENTALS & OUTDOOR GEAR LIBRARIES
New England Outdoor Center
Year-round adventure center with snowmobile rentals, trail access, and support for paddling, biking, skiing, and guided activities.
Address: 2000 Millinocket Lake Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-723-5438
Website: https://www.neoc.com
Katahdin Gear Library
Community gear lending and rental program with bikes, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, snowshoes, XC skis, backpacks, and more. Membership through a regional library card offers free or discounted access.
Address: 215 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-200-4767
Email: hello@outdoorsi.org
Website: https://www.outdoorsi.org/kgl
Penobscot River Trails
Nonprofit supporting recreational access with free or donation-based equipment use including bikes, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and seasonal gear for trail exploration.
Address: 16 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-447-6786
Website: https://www.penobscotrivertrails.org
Shin Pond Village / Katahdin Valley Adventures
Polaris Adventure Outfitter offering Polaris snowmobile and ATV/UTV rentals at Shin Pond Village and Millinocket locations for half-day or full-day trail rides.
Address: 1489 Shin Pond Rd, Mount Chase, ME 04765
Phone: 207-528-2900
Website: https://www.shinpond.com and https://www.katahdinvalleyadventures.com
Maine Quest Adventures
Canoe and kayak rentals, river shuttles, scenic boat tours, and outdoor trip support throughout the region.
Address: 155 Highland Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-723-8383
Website: https://www.mainequestadventures.com
Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitters
Outdoor retailer and outfitter for hikers and backcountry adventurers rents backpacking gear, including day-packs and trekking poles for Katahdin.
Address: 33 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-723-4321
Website: https://www.appalachiantrailhostel.com
GEAR SHOPS & RETAIL (PURCHASE GEAR)
Katahdin General Store
Full-service outdoor retail store with camping gear, fishing tackle, rods & reels, bait, clothing, souvenirs, and essentials just south of Baxter State Park.
Address: 160 Bates St, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-735-4740
Website: https://www.katahdingeneral.com
Knife Edge Trading Post
Outdoor gear and apparel shop offering boots, clothing, camping gear, snowmobile apparel, maps, gifts, and more for Katahdin region adventures.
Address: 56 Central St, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-723-6060
Website: https://www.knifeedgetradingpost.com
Golden Road Crossing
Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Supplies. A well-reviewed local outfitter with a solid selection of fishing tackle, hunting gear, outdoor apparel, and bait — a great stop before heading into Baxter State Park or exploring regional waters.
Address: 1605 Baxter State Park Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-723-4326
Website: https://goldenroadcrossing.com
Ridchardson’s (Patten, Maine)
Richardson’s in Patten, Maine, is a one-stop shop for outdoor adventure gear year-round. The store carries a wide selection of fishing gear and ice-fishing equipment, hunting supplies, and practical camping accessories, along with safety essentials like life jackets. For time on the water, Richardson’s also offers inflatables, wakeboards, and towable tubes, as well as canoes and kayaks—making it easy to gear up for lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreation throughout the Katahdin region.
Address: 10 Main Street, Patten, ME 04765
Phone: 207-528-2235
Website: https://www.richardsonsme.com/sporting-goods
Theriault Flies (Stacyville, ME)
Theriault Flies is a beloved fly fishing and outdoor specialty shop located in Stacyville, Maine, right along the Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway. Owned and operated by renowned fly tier Alvin Theriault—who has been crafting high-quality flies for decades—the store offers an extensive selection of hand-tied flies and fly-tying materials, including natural and synthetic feathers, furs, tools, and threads for anglers of all skill levels. The friendly, knowledgeable atmosphere makes it a favorite among visiting fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Address: 21 Lapidary Lane, Stacyville, ME 04777
Phone: +1 866-562-0242
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheriaultFlies/
Northwoods Arms
A federally licensed firearms dealer and hunting supply store located at 1123 Pattagumpus Road in Medway, Maine. The business serves local hunters and outdoor enthusiasts by offering guns, ammunition, and related services in the heart of Maine’s North Woods region.
Address: 1123 Pattagumpus Rd, Medway, ME 04460
Phone: (207) 447-0787
Website: https://www.northwoodsarms.com/
Appalachian Trail Hostel & Outfitters
Outdoor retailer and outfitter for hikers and backcountry adventurers with backpacking gear, trail supplies, and expert advice. In addition, the shop rents backpacking gear, including day-packs and trekking poles for Katahdin.
Address: 33 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-723-4321
Website: https://www.appalachiantrailhostel.com
GUIDE SERVICES & WILDERNESS OUTFITTERS
Great Mountain Guide Service
Registered Maine guides providing trips including Mt. Katahdin climbs, Baxter State Park hikes, wilderness canoeing, and multi-day expeditions.
Address: Medway, ME 04460
Phone: 207-745-3621
Website: https://www.greatmountainguideservice.com
Katahdin Adventure Co.
Custom guided and self-guided wilderness trips including backpacking, canoeing, fly fishing, and camp logistics.
Address: Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-447-7177
Website: https://www.katahdinadventureco.com
Katahdin Region Wilderness Guide Service
Experienced guide service for hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and winter trips across northern Maine.
Address: Patten, ME 04765
Phone: 207-528-2909
Website: https://www.maineguides.com
The Wilderness Guru
Personalized guided outdoor experiences focused on hiking, nature exploration, and skills instruction in the Katahdin area.
Address: Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: 207-447-3212
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheWildernessGuru
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR VISITORS
- The Byway travels through vast, lightly populated areas — knowing where to find fuel, gears, groceries, and basic supplies is essential.
- Many gear shops also carry maps, guidebooks, and local trail info useful for planning day trips and extended adventures.
- Booking ahead for snowmobile or ATV rentals is strongly recommended during peak winter and fall foliage seasons.
- Stores may operate on seasonal or limited hours, so planning ahead helps ensure a smoother trip.
- Supporting these locally owned stores strengthens the rural communities that serve travelers year-round.
- Local gas stations provide more than just fuel: convenience items, snack/meal options, supplies for outdoor activities (ice, firewood, maps), information and easy access before heading into areas with few amenities.
PHOTO GALLERY
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to the Katahdin Region in Maine, follow these directions:
From the South (e.g., Portland, Boston):
- Take I-95 North: Head north on Interstate 95.
- Continue on I-95: Pass through Bangor, Maine.
- Take Exit 244 for Medway/Millinocket: This is the primary exit for accessing the Katahdin Region.
- Follow ME-157 West: After exiting, take Maine State Route 157 west toward Millinocket and Baxter State Park.
- Arrive in the Katahdin Region: You’ll pass through Medway, East Millinocket, and Millinocket, which are gateway towns to the region.
From the North (e.g., Houlton, Canada):
- Take I-95 South: Head south on Interstate 95.
- Take Exit 244 for Medway/Millinocket: Same exit as from the south.
- Follow ME-157 West to enter the region.
From Bar Harbor or Downeast Maine:
- Take Route 1A to Bangor: Follow signs to connect to I-95 North.
- Take I-95 North: Continue to Exit 244 for Medway/Millinocket.
- Follow ME-157 West into the Katahdin Region.
Travel Tips:
- For Baxter State Park: Continue through Millinocket and follow signs for Baxter State Park (approximately 20 miles from Millinocket).
- For the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: Depending on your specific destination, there are several entry points, often through the town of Stacyville (Exit 264 on I-95) or through Millinocket.
Enjoy our National Scenic Byway!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This guide is produced by the Katahdin Tourism Partnership (katahdintourismpartnership.org), a core advocacy group for the economic and tourism development of the Katahdin region.
This Outdoor Gear Guide for the Katahdin Region was made possible in part by a generous grant from the Maine Office of Tourism (VisitMaine.org) and by information and assets provided by our wonderful local supporters and byway partners – THANK YOU!
HELP US IMPROVE THIS GUIDE!
If you have additional information or updates, or believe we are missing entries for our Outdoor Gear Guide for the Katahdin Region, we would love to hear from you—help us make this important regional resource even better by sharing details on trails, rentals, guided tours, or accommodations. Please send us an email at info@destinationkatahdin.org