{"id":"nps-kaww","slug":"katahdin-woods-and-waters-national-monument","name":"Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument","designation":"National Monument","category":"national-monument","categoryLabel":"National Monument","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"KAWW","designation":"National Monument","sourceId":"nps-kaww"}],"states":["ME"],"stateNames":["Maine"],"location":{"lat":45.9567565918,"lon":-68.7122879028},"bbox":[-68.8246,45.8271,-68.5584,46.1255],"acres":{"value":89488,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=46.1255&b_tl_lng=-68.8246&b_br_lat=45.8271&b_br_lng=-68.5584","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Katahdin%20Woods%20and%20Waters%20National%20Monument","directions":"https://www.nps.gov/kaww/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"cover":{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9D0715EF-042C-57C5-06DD61308B506587.jpg","title":"International Dark Sky Sanctuary","alt":"A blue night sky filled with stars sits over reflective water. Dark trees line the image.","credit":"NPS/ Gin Majka","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm","tier":1,"source":"National Park Service"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9D0715EF-042C-57C5-06DD61308B506587.jpg","title":"International Dark Sky Sanctuary","alt":"A blue night sky filled with stars sits over reflective water. Dark trees line the image.","credit":"NPS/ Gin Majka","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm","source":"National Park Service","cover":true},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A4004D11-0776-4237-B3F6FDF3E4EFCD5C.jpg","title":"Fall Foliage","alt":"Red and orange fall foliage hangs off dark branches on a green background.","caption":"Explore stunning fall foliage at the monument each autumn.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9E85DA2B-059B-EE67-53B02A364AD44CA0.jpg","title":"Tekαkαpimək Contact Station","alt":"Tekαkαpimək Contact Station interior looking down a wing into the central room.","caption":"Learn about natural and cultural history through a Wabanaki perspective at the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A4AA0029-E416-02CD-884BD36374DF255D.jpg","title":"Katahdin View","alt":"A tall mountain stands behind fall foliage and rolling hills.","caption":"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.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9EA9ABA5-962D-71FF-CB9E7A3D25C3D31B.jpg","title":"Hikers on Barnard Mountain","alt":"Hikers and a dog sit at a picnic table overlooking Katahdin.","caption":"Explore a variety of hikes and picnic areas in the monument. Pets are welcome!","credit":"NPS/ Gin Majka","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A1515154-C5DB-E85D-B790DB36E335D2AC.jpg","title":"Broad-winged Hawk","alt":"A large brown bird sits perched on a tree branch with green foliage in the background.","caption":"The monument provides healthy habitat for a domestic and migrating birds.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A1DCAAC1-9C49-B928-81AD4693B9BCE49A.jpg","title":"On the River","alt":"A man sits in the stern of a canoe in a river. He points at something as the sun shines above.","caption":"Explore the monument by water! Navigate the East Branch Penobscot River for unique viewpoints and wildlife sightings.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A27B91BE-FB1F-9106-FEA3BC83538DCAC7.jpg","title":"Hiking the International Appalachian Trail","alt":"A hiker enters a long, foggy trail that fades into a hill in the background. The path is treelined.","caption":"Each year, hikers traverse the International Appalachian Trail. Try hiking a portion to access Barnard Mountain.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A4389974-F675-33D3-74E7A3AF8DBD199A.jpg","title":"Pets in the Monument","alt":"A brown dog looks at the camera while wearing an orange vest.","caption":"Pets are welcome! Bring your furry friend on a six-foot leash and explore all the monument has to offer.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A44CE6F6-9F6F-D28D-15D1378BC838E10A.jpg","title":"Boggy Vegetation","alt":"A","caption":"Explore bog biomes within the monument. Carnivorous plants thrive in these environments and contribute to unique landscapes.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/A462F0C1-D1F6-65E2-22973058AB7BF5BF.jpg","title":"Native Fauna","alt":"A brown bird hides in brown sticks. It has a crest and a large brown eye.","caption":"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.","credit":"NPS/ A. Longman","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Camping","Fishing","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","Junior Ranger Program","Skiing","Cross-Country Skiing","Snowmobiling","Snowshoeing","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching"],"topics":["Industry","Logging and Timber Cutting","Monuments and Memorials","Native American Heritage","Animals","Forests and Woodlands","Geology","Glaciers","Mountains","Night Sky","River and Riparian","Scenic Views","Trails","Waterfalls"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"North Entrance","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Late fall to late spring","start":"2026-11-02","end":"2027-05-27","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]},{"name":"South Entrance","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Late fall to late spring","start":"2026-11-02","end":"2027-05-27","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]},{"name":"Katahdin Loop Road","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Late fall to late spring","start":"2026-11-02","end":"2027-05-27","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]}],"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.","weatherInfo":"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).","contacts":{"phone":"207-456-6001","email":"kaww_info@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Tekakapimək Contact Station","description":"Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is located in the southern section of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, within the homeland and ancestral territory of Penobscot Nation. National Park Service staff will be available to provide orientation and information and to help plan your visit. Interior and exterior exhibits designed from a Wabanaki worldview provide an introduction to the monument’s landscape and its significance. Restrooms and a water fountain will be available when the building is open.","url":"","lat":45.91681065210765,"lon":-68.60140085220337}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Sandbank Stream Campground","description":"Sandbank Stream Campground has 3 campsites. It is located approximately 10 miles from the intersection of Route 11 and Swift Brook Road, near the beginning of the Katahdin Loop Road. There is a short trail to a wetland habitat viewpoint next to the campground.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":3},{"name":"Lunksoos Campsites","description":"The Lunksoos campground area has a total of 7 campsites near the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Campsite 1 is an ADA site, sites 2-5 are individual sites, and sites 6 and 7 are group sites. Campers will park their vehicles in the parking lot and walk their equipment to their site. A vault toilet is located at the parking lot for all visitors to use. This campsite sits just above the Lunksoos Boat Launch. Enjoy the beauty of the river, forest, and night sky all in one location.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":7},{"name":"Upper East Branch Campsite","description":"A large walk-in campsite located along the East Branch of the Penobscot River with access to the river. Picnic tables are available for campers, as well as a fire ring and access to a vault toilet. This site makes for a magnificent place for night sky viewing.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Stair Falls Campsite","description":"A primitive campsite with access to the East Branch of the Penobscot River. The site has a picnic table, food storage locker, and fire pit. The portage trail for Stair Falls is located in front of the campsite. Access this campsite by a 2-mile hike from Haskell Gate or by paddling down the East Branch Penobscot River.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Esker Campsite","description":"Hike or bike approximately 2.2 miles from the Wassataquoik Gate to the Esker Campsite. This campsite is located in a forested area on the bank of Wassataquoik Stream.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Katahdin Brook Lean-to","description":"This campsite is tucked in just off the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) on Barnard Mountain Trailhead, approximately 0.4 miles from the trailhead. This is the closest hike-in campsite in the monument. Hike down a short spur trail to the site where a wooden lean-to, firepit, grass clearing, and a pit toilet are located. Moose, deer, butterflies, and a variety of birds all call this area home, making for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The brook can be heard from this campsite.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Wassataquoik Lean-to","description":"A lean-to (a raised, 3-sided log shelter structure with a roof) campsite along the International Appalachian Trail near the Wassataquoik Stream. The site is 0.9 miles from the Wassataquoik Gate or 1.4 miles from the Barnard Mountain Trailhead.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Wassataquoik Campsite","description":"A beautiful primitive hike or bike in campsite located next to Katahdin Brook along the International Appalachian Trail. The campsite is near the Wassataquoik Lean-to and is 0.9 miles from the Wassataquoik Gate trailhead. It is also accessible by hiking or biking 1.4 miles from Barnard Mountain Trailhead.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Big Seboeis Campsite","description":"Access this scenic primitive backcountry campsite located next to the East Branch of the Penobscot River by boating in or hiking in. This location cannot be accessed by vehicles. There is a pit toilet (outhouse) available for use approximately 200ft from the campsite.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Big Spring Brook Campsite","description":"Primitive backcountry campsite along the East Branch of the Penobscot River that is only accessible by boat. Big Spring Brook is located approximately 10.7 miles south of the bridge near Matagamon Wilderness Camps. Look for a small wooden sign located at the top of the cut bank that reads Big Spring Brook Campsite. This campsite is mostly shaded and has one picnic table and one metal fire ring.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/10145544","sites":1},{"name":"Haskell Deadwater Campsite","description":"Backcountry campsite along the banks of Haskell Deadwater and the Haskell Rock Pitch Portage.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Pond Pitch Campsite","description":"A rustic backcountry campsite overlooking the majestic Pond Pitch and wild East Branch of the Penobscot River.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Grand Pitch Lean-to","description":"A backcountry lean-to along the International Appalachian Trail and Grand Pitch Portage. Grand Pitch Lean-to is located 3.6 miles from Haskell Gate.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1},{"name":"Big Spring Brook Hut","description":"A beautiful log cabin tucked away in the heart of the forest of Katahdin Woods and Waters NM. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Plan for primitive camping experience by packing in your own essentials, such as a sleeping surface, sleeping bag, and a camp stove! This hut is only opened for camping during the winter. Park at the North Gate and cross-country ski or snowshoe 9.15 miles to Big Spring Brook Hut. It is a great place to keep warm, find solitude, and enjoy this winter wonderland!","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/10159127","sites":1},{"name":"Haskell Hut","description":"A small log cabin on a hill with a beautiful view of Haskell Deadwater. Here, you can enjoy the sounds and sights of the woods and the waters. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov and can be reserved by groups of up to 8 people. Camping in the hut is only available in the winter. The hut is reached by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. This is a primitive camping experience. Remember to pack in essentials (sleeping surface, sleeping bag, cook stove) and follow Leave No Trace principles.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/10145554","sites":1},{"name":"Lunksoos Mountain Lean-To","description":"A rugged lean-to site within the heart of the backcountry of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539","sites":1}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"sunkhaze-meadows-national-wildlife-refuge","km":109},{"slug":"aroostook-national-wildlife-refuge","km":129},{"slug":"maine-acadian-culture","km":144},{"slug":"moosehorn-national-wildlife-refuge","km":147},{"slug":"saint-croix-island-international-historic-site","km":154},{"slug":"acadia-national-park","km":176}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=kaww"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.615Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Hunting Season Begins","text":"Hunting in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is now open for the 2026 season. Hunting is permitted on all monument land east of the East Branch Penobscot River. It is recommended that all visitors wear high visibility clothing regardless of their location within the monument until hunting seasons concludes. For more information about recreational hunting in the monument, please click below.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/kaww/hunting.htm","updated":"2026-09-25 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-F0497408-7083-4050-A013-D7CFB2958587"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Increased Logging Traffic Along Swift Brook Road","text":"Be alert for logging trucks along Swift Brook Road between the monument boundary and the start of the Loop Road. Logging trucks will be transporting logs on Swift Brook Road to Roberts Road. Logging trucks ALWAYS have the right of way. Keep your headlights on. Never stop on roads or bridges. Pull over to the side of the road to allow trucks to pass by.","url":null,"updated":"2026-08-24 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-0BD7E264-1C90-40BC-9672-B81921BD324A"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/katahdin-woods-and-waters-national-monument/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/katahdin-woods-and-waters-national-monument.geojson"}