katahdin-woods-and-waters | ME | Find park

A blue night sky filled with stars sits over reflective water. Dark trees line the image.

The monument is home to the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River.

Red and orange fall foliage hangs off dark branches on a green background.

Explore stunning fall foliage at the monument each autumn.

Tekαkαpimək Contact Station interior looking down a wing into the central room.

Learn about natural and cultural history through a Wabanaki perspective at the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station.

A tall mountain stands behind fall foliage and rolling hills.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National monument consists of land surrounding the eastern side of Katahdin. The mountain itself is not within NPS boundaries, but visitors can enjoy stunning scenery from the Katahdin View Overlook.

Hikers and a dog sit at a picnic table overlooking Katahdin.

Explore a variety of hikes and picnic areas in the monument. Pets are welcome!

A large brown bird sits perched on a tree branch with green foliage in the background.

The monument provides healthy habitat for a domestic and migrating birds.

A man sits in the stern of a canoe in a river. He points at something as the sun shines above.

Explore the monument by water! Navigate the East Branch Penobscot River for unique viewpoints and wildlife sightings.

A hiker enters a long, foggy trail that fades into a hill in the background. The path is treelined.

Each year, hikers traverse the International Appalachian Trail. Try hiking a portion to access Barnard Mountain.

A brown dog looks at the camera while wearing an orange vest.

Pets are welcome! Bring your furry friend on a six-foot leash and explore all the monument has to offer.

Explore bog biomes within the monument. Carnivorous plants thrive in these environments and contribute to unique landscapes.

A brown bird hides in brown sticks. It has a crest and a large brown eye.

Discover a variety of native animals in the monument, including the ruffed grouse. Hunting is allowed on land east of the East Branch Penobscot River.

Physical Address:

Route 11

Patten, ME 04765

Mailing Address:

PO Box 446

Patten, ME 04765

contact-details

Phone Number: 207-456-6001 Voice

Email Address: kaww_info@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Monument

Directions:

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine. Drive approximately 1.5 hours north of Bangor, Maine to reach Route 11 (Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway). Route 11 is the main route to the entrances to the park. Take Route 11 to Route 159 and Grand Lake Road to access the North Entrance. Follow Route 11 to Swift Brook Road to enter the South Entrance. Take Route 11 to Route 159 and American Thread Road to access the Seboeis Parcel.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

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.

Exceptions:

Late October to Late May (November 4, 2026 - May 13, 2027)

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.

Exceptions:

Late October to Late May (October 31, 2026 - May 25, 2027)

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.

Exceptions:

Late October to Late May (November 4, 2026 - May 23, 2027)

Weather Information:

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).