Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping

Overview

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters 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 enjoying other recreational activities.

Recreation

There are many ways visitors can experience Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Below are a few recommended activities:

• Hiking: Choose a hike that meets your abilities to observe the biodiversity of the monument.
• Biking: Bike on historic logging roads (current and former) within the monument that display signs of logging activity that dates back as early as the 1800s.
• Camping: Sleep under the stars. Katahdin Woods and Waters is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the first to be certified in the state of Maine and in New England.
• Paddling: Paddlers can experience the scenic hydraulic features that are ecologically and culturally significant within the monument. The streams and rivers within the monument provide important habitat for spawning and rearing federally endangered Atlantic salmon.
• Wildlife watching and birding: The monument provides a landscape for a wide variety of wildlife. Birds can be seen and heard year-round. Pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians are most active during the spring and summer months. However, large mammals like moose, black bear, and Canada lynx are often what visitors have their cameras ready for.
• Fishing: Anglers enjoy catching brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass at the monument.
• Sight seeing: Visitors often enjoy the views of Katahdin (located in Baxter State Park ) and the scenic waterways at the monument.
• Snowmobiling and hunting in designated areas: Snowmobiling and hunting are only allowed in specifically designated areas of the monument.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter: The monument provides a limited area of groomed cross-country trails at the North Gate for visitors to use.

Facilities

Campsites, lean-tos and huts are dispersed throughout Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Huts are only open for reservation and stay during the winter season. 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 the monument boundaries. Campsites may have vault or pit toilets; other sites require following Leave No Trace practices for human waste. Most campsites have picnic tables and a stone or metal fire ring. Brown metal food storage lockers , also known as bear boxes, are available in some campsites. All odorous items must be stored in a bear-resistant canister or in a contained vehicle if there is no food locker available. Campfires may require a permit from the Maine Forest Service.

Natural Features

The East Branch of the Penobscot River flows all the way through the monument, about 25 miles from north to south. The first 10 miles drops over 200ft, creating a series of waterfalls and rapids (Stair Falls, Haskell Rock Pitch, Pond Pitch, Grand Pitch, the Hulling Machine, and Bowlin Falls).

The Seboeis River and Wassataquoik Stream also create scenic viewpoints in the monument, such as Orin Falls.

Katahdin Woods and Waters is known for its dark sky. In 2020 it was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Forest, waterways, and wetlands provide critical habitat and corridors for plants and wildlife, including threatened species such as Atlantic salmon, Canada lynx, and rare mussels and butterflies.

Geological formations are throughout the monument. Haskell Rock is a 20 ft tall conglomerate bedrock pillar in the East Branch. Popular hikes include trails on Barnard, Deasey, and Lunksoos Mountains.

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 (where Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail's northern terminusare located) is adjacent to the western boundary of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

Penobscot River Trails

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.