National Monument · Maine
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.
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
Weather & when to go
Northern Maine experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 45-90F (7-30C). Fall temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C). Typically, the first frost is in mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 73 inches (185 cm). Winter temperatures range from 14-35F (-10 - 2C). Spring temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C).
Operating hours
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
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.
North Entrance
The north entrance to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is reached by turning on New River Road (also known as Messer Pond Road) from Maine Route 159/Grand Lake Road. This entrance is typically open to wheeled vehicle traffic from late May-late October.
South Entrance
The south entrance to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is reached via Maine Route 11 and Swift Brook Road. This entrance is typically open to wheeled vehicle traffic from late May-late October. Swift Brook Road is a private logging road. Two gates across this private logging road leading into the monument are managed by a neighboring timber company that determines when road conditions are appropriate to open the gates for the summer season.
Katahdin Loop Road
The Katahdin Loop Road is typically open to wheeled vehicle traffic from late May-late October. The Loop Road is accessed via Maine Route 11 and Swift Brook Road. Swift Brook Road is a private logging road and a neighboring timber company manages the two gates on the road leading into the monument. The timber company determines when the gates will open and close for the season depending on road conditions. The National Park Service manages the gate to the Katahdin Loop Road.
Campgrounds
Sandbank Stream Campground
Lunksoos Campsites
Upper East Branch Campsite
Stair Falls Campsite
Esker Campsite
Katahdin Brook Lean-to
Wassataquoik Lean-to
Wassataquoik Campsite
Big Seboeis Campsite
Big Spring Brook Campsite
Haskell Deadwater Campsite
Pond Pitch Campsite
Grand Pitch Lean-to
Big Spring Brook Hut
Haskell Hut
Lunksoos Mountain Lean-To
FAQ
- Is Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument free to visit?
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument?
- 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 whe…
- Do I need a reservation for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.