Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
National Monument · Maine

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Photo: National Park Service / Jason Gablaski · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

This monument protects wild forest and river country east of Baxter State Park on the homeland of the Penobscot Nation. The gravel Katahdin Loop Road leads to viewpoints of Katahdin, trailheads and campsites, and the East Branch of the Penobscot River is popular for paddling. There is no food, water or fuel inside and cell service is spotty, so download maps first.

Good to know

Tickets
Free. There is no entrance fee.
Time needed
1 day for the Loop Road and a hike, or 2 to 3 days to camp and paddle.
Best time
June to early October; mid to late September for fall color and fewer bugs. Winter is for skiing and snowshoeing.
Getting there
Patten and Millinocket are the nearest towns. Bangor International Airport is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Patten, Maine
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument questions

Is Katahdin Woods and Waters the same as Baxter State Park?

No. Baxter, home to Katahdin's summit trails, is a separate state park just to the west. The monument offers views of the mountain from the east.

Is the Katahdin Loop Road paved?

No, it is a gravel road, usually fine for regular cars in summer and fall. It is not plowed in winter.

Can you stargaze at Katahdin Woods and Waters?

Yes, it is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary with some of the darkest skies in the eastern U.S.

Nearby national monuments