Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Mount 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.
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine approximately a 2.5-hour drive west of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and 1.5-hour drive north of Bangor, Maine, both of which are served by regional airports.
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Permits info
Facilities
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Camping and Huts Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods, adjacent to Baxter State Park. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters east of Baxter State Park (home of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail), where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and participating in other recreational activities.
Recreation
Experience Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by paddling the East Branch Penobscot or Seboeis Rivers, hiking on the 30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail that pass through the monument or by biking former logging roads. Wildlife watchers might see moose, black bears or a variety of birds while driving the 16-mile Katahdin Loop Road. Winter activities include snowmobiling in designated areas, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Facilities
Campsites, lean-tos and huts are dispersed throughout Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. All roads within the monument are unpaved. Some sites can only be reached by hiking, biking, paddling, skiing or snowshoeing. There are no flush toilets within monument boundaries. Sites may have vault or pit toilets; other sites require following Leave No Trace practices for human waste. Most sites have picnic tables and a stone or metal fire ring. Campfires may require a permit from the Maine Forest Service.
Natural Features
The main stem of the East Branch Penobscot River drops over 200 feet in about 10 miles through a series of rapids and waterfalls. Spectacular views of Mount Katahdin, located in neighboring Baxter State Park, can be seen from the Katahdin Loop Road. Within the monument, smaller peaks offer views of a vast forested landscape.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (207) 456-6001.Nearby Attractions
Baxter State Park, home of Mount Katahdin, is adjacent to the western boundary of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Charges & Cancellations
The reservation fee is non-refundable. Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. You may cancel or modify your reservation online up to one day prior to your reservation start date.
Lumbermen's Museum Visitor Center
From late May to mid-October, National Park Service staff provide information and trip-planning assistance from a desk located inside the Patten Lumbermen's Museum. Maps and brochures are available.
Sandbank Stream Campground
List of CampsitesLocated approximately 10 miles from the intersection of Route 11 and Swift Brook Rd. Contains 3 sites.
Sandbank Stream Campground
List of CampsitesLocated approximately 10 miles from the intersection of Route 11 and Swift Brook Rd. Contains 3 sites.