Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is Maine's designated national monument. It is located in north-central Maine, approximately 2.5 hours west of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and 1.5 hours north of Bangor, Maine, both of which are served by regional airports. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a relatively new park managed by the National Park Service. For an enjoyable and safe visit, please visit the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, the official visitor orientation site for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, accessible from Swift Brook Road just off Route 11 in Stacyville, Maine, and open from late May to mid-October.

Establishment: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was designated by President Barack Obama in August 2016. It encompasses approximately 87,563 acres of wilderness in the Katahdin region of Maine.

Scenic Beauty: The landscape within the monument features stunning vistas, including forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife habitats. The centerpiece of the monument is Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

Recreational Opportunities: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and paddling. There are several designated trails and campgrounds within the monument for visitors to explore.

Cultural and Historical Significance: In addition to its natural beauty, the monument also has cultural and historical significance. It contains numerous sites of archaeological and historical importance, including evidence of Native American presence and remnants of early settlers and logging operations.

Management: The monument is managed by the National Park Service, which works to preserve its natural and cultural resources while providing opportunities for public enjoyment and education.

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument serves as a protected area of wilderness and outdoor recreation in the Katahdin region of Maine, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of the North Woods ecosystem.

Campgrounds: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument currently has 18 campsites, 4 three-sided lean-tos, and 2 huts. Camping in non-designated sites is not permitted at this time, and there is no potable water within the monument.

Location: The monument is situated east of Baxter State Park and adjacent to the east branch of the Penobscot River. It lies near the towns of Millinocket and Patten and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maine North Woods.

Access: Route 11 is known as the Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway and is the main route to drive into the park.

• To the north, take Route 11 to Route 159. Follow Route 159 to Grand Lake Road to access the northern section of the park.
• To the south, follow Route 11 to Swift Brook Road to enter the southern portion of the park. Depending on weather conditions, the 14-mile scenic loop road may be closed.
• To the Seboeis Parcel, take Route 11 to Route 159. From Route 159 you can access the Seboeis Parcel by Waters Road (which becomes American Thread Road), or by Grondin Road. Proceed with caution! Logging trucks always have the right of way! The roads are not maintained during the winter. The roads in this area are uneven, rocky, muddy, and rugged.

Please check road conditions and Loop Road status before you visit.

The Haskell Hut is open for day use only from May through October. Overnight use is permitted during the winter season only. Learn more about camping and outdoor activities.

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 also be closed to wheeled vehicles from mid-November to late May.

Phone/Wifi: Cellular data is limited within the monument, and there is NO public wifi within the monument. Please prepare ahead of time by downloading the NPS App and offline maps of the surrounding area. Public wifi may be available in surrounding communities, but don't depend on this!

Fee: FREE - No entrance pass required

For more information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm

Additional important information can be found here: https://www.friendsofkww.org/