Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Huts, Maine: 2 Sites, Map and Reservations

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. Huts located in the north end of the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while cross-country skiing, snowshoeing 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:

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.

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.

Facilities

Huts are only open for stays during the winter season and require reservations. 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 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.

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 skies. 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-foot tall conglomerate bedrock pillar in the East Branch. Popular hikes include trails on Barnard, Deasey, and Lunksoos Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

Baxter State Park (where Katahdin and the A.T. are located) is adjacent to the western boundary of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

The description, directions and fees are the National Park Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

birding
cross country skiing
snowshoeing
star gazing

Getting there

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine, approximately a 2-hour drive northwest of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and 1.5-hour drive north of Bangor, Maine. Both areas are served by regional airports. You can access all parts of the monument from I-95. Take exit 244 (Medway) or exit 264 (Sherman) to access Maine Route 11. Once you exit I-95, you will travel on Maine Route 11 to access the monument. If you are southbound on I-95, you can also access the monument from exit 276 (Island Falls). Maine Route 11 is the main access route to the monument. It is also known as the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway. North Entrance From Exit 244 (Medway), head west for approximately 0.8 miles towards Medway and turn right onto Route 11 (also called Grindstone Road). If you cross the East Branch of the Penobscot River, you have missed the turn for Route 11 north. Continue north on Maine Route 11 to Patten. Turn left onto Maine Route 159 (also called Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles and then becomes Grand Lake Road. Continue on Grand Lake Road for another approximately 12.7 miles, then turn left onto New River Road (also known as Messer Pond Road) to access the North Entrance. From Exit 264 (Sherman), follow signs for Maine Route 11 north towards Patten. In approximately 10 miles, turn left onto Maine Route 159 (also called Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles and then becomes Grand Lake Road. Continue on Grand Lake Road for another approximately 12.7 miles, then turn left onto New River Road (also known as Messer Pond Road) to access the North Entrance. From Exit 276 (Island Falls), proceed west to Patten on Route 159 for approximately 8 miles. At the junction of Maine Route 159 & Maine Route 11, follow the above directions to access the North Entrance by Maine Route 159 and Grand Lake Road. From the intersection of Maine Route 11 & Maine Route 159 in Patten, it is approximately 25 miles (approximately 40 minutes driving time) to the North Entrance. To access the monument, take the second left turn onto New River Road after you cross the East Branch of the Penobscot River near Grand Lake Matagamon. New River Road dead-ends at a parking area near Haskell Gate in approximately 4 miles. After October, vehicle traffic ends at North Gate parking area.

Fees

Recreation Fee: $0. Huts are free. Huts are only available during the winter season. Reservation Fee: $8 when booked online or $9 through the contact center at (877) 444-6777 (toll free) or (606) 515-6777 (international), open 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight (Eastern Time Zone). The reservation fee covers the cost of reservation services through Recreation.gov. Entrance Fee: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument does not charge an entrance fee.