Katahdin Woods & Waters
National
Monument
A publication of RESTORE: The North Woods
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VISITOR’S GUIDE
We had heard of a Grand Fall on [the East Branch of the Penobscot],
and thought that each fall we came to must be it, but after christening
several in succession with this name, we gave up the search.
There were more Grand or Petty Falls than I can remember.
~ Henry David Thoreau, The Maine Woods, 1864
The area comprising the Katahdin Woods and Waters National
Monument is a rugged, 87,500-acre backcountry wildland of forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and
remote ponds in northern Maine. If you go there prepared, you will find a beautiful outdoor jewel with
wading moose, browsing deer, ambling black bears, soaring eagles, eager beavers, and maybe the
shy lynx. There are stunning scenic views and opportunities for canoeing, fishing, hiking,
backpacking, camping, birding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and landscape
painting and photography. There is also hunting and snowmobiling in the area east of the Penobscot
River East Branch. It is an unpolished gem, another sparkling addition to our National Park System.
Creation of the Monument
On August 24, 2016, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, President Barack Obama created
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument using the executive authority of the Antiquities Act. The land for the
monument was donated by conservation philanthropist Roxanne Quimby through her foundation, Elliotsville Plantation Inc.
Natural Wonders
The National Monument presents a great example of the transition between the southern broadleaf deciduous forest and
the northern boreal forest. The Nature Conservancy has classified thousands of acres of the Penobscot River East Branch
region as "critical for biodiversity conservation.” The Maine Natural Areas Program has identified exemplary natural
communities and rare plant and invertebrate species here. Tracking surveys have found the presence of Canada lynx,
federally listed as a threatened species. Moose, bear, deer, coyotes and scores of other animal species, along with 78
nesting bird species, have also been documented on the Monument. Plus, the Penobscot East Branch, which has one of
the most important native brook trout fisheries in the United States, qualifies for National Wild and Scenic River status.
A Rich Human History
Native Americans have traveled the Penobscot East Branch and Seboeis Rivers for millennia. During the last half of the
1800s these waterways were used as major access routes for early European exploration of the Katahdin region. Visitors
th
included artists John James Audubon and Frederic Church. During much of the late 19th and the 20 centuries the woods
were cut and river drives sent logs and pulpwood down the Penobscot River to saw mills and paper mills. The surrounding
woods continue to be managed for commercial logging. The landscape east of Katahdin also inspired important early
conservationists. In 1857, Henry David Thoreau canoed the Penobscot East Branch. In 1879, Theodore Roosevelt
climbed Katahdin along a route across the National Monument. That journey helped form the foundation for his later
conservation initiatives as President. In the early 20th century, Maine Gov. Percival Baxter was so inspired by his
experiences here he devoted his life to protecting more than 200,000 acres around Katahdin and surrounding mountains.
Monument Hours, Fees and Directions
The Monument is open year-round. Entrance is free. For driving directions, see page 4.
Welcome centers in Millinocket and Patten are open part time (for hours 207-242-4342).
For more information
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, National Park Service,
P.O. Box 446, Patten, ME 04765, 207-242-4342, nps.gov/kaww.
Monument Highlights
¿
Penobscot River East Branch
The Penobscot River East Branch is considered one of
the least-developed watersheds in the Northeast U.S.
According to the Department of Interior, the river
qualifies for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic
Rivers System. The Maine Rivers Study lists the East
Branch system among the top ranked rivers in the state.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection
classifies it as AA, the highest water quality ranking. One
of Maineʼs classic river paddling trips, the East Branch of
the Penobscot offers a 26-mile, 3-day paddle from below
Matagamon Lake in the north to Whetstone Falls on the
monumentʼs south entrance road. The first part of the
trip has whitewater and several waterfalls that must be
portaged, then the river calms down to offer a leisurely
backcountry float. There are 10 riverside campsites
(first-come, first-serve).
¡
International Appalachian Trail (IAT)
30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail extend
through the National Monument. National Geographic
calls the IAT one of the worldʼs “Top 20” hiking trails.
See www.internationalatmaine.org
¬
Old Telos Tote Road Trail
This trail (aka Old River Road) follows the west bank of
the Penobscot River East Branch from the north end of
the National Monument, east then south, allowing views
of multiple waterfalls, including Stair Falls, Haskell Rock
Pitch, Pond Pitch, and Grand Pitch. In warm months, the
trail is open for mountain biking; in winter, it is groomed
for cross-country skiing. Haskell Hut community cabin is
available for overnighting, first come, first serve.
√
Loop Road
This 17-mile scenic drive in the Monumentʼs southwest
section runs through thick forest with openings that offer
spectacular views of the Knife Edge and Pamola Peak
on Katahdin. Morning light is best. Near Miles 6, 7 and
10, there are sweeping panoramas of Thoreauʼs Maine
Woods. Allow 2 hours to drive the entire Loop Road,
more if you plan to hike any of the trails. There is no
access to Baxter State Park from the Loop Road.
∆
Barnard Mountain
From mile 12 of the Loop Road, follow the International
Appalachian Trail north for 1.2 miles. Then climb 0.8
mile to a granite outcrop for a breathtaking birdʼs-eye
view of Katahdin Lake and beyond. Morning light is best.
«
Orin Falls
Follow the International Appalachian Trail past the
Barnard Mountain spur trail another 2 miles to a junction
with the Orin Falls Trail. At Mile 15.5 on the Loop Road
drive a side road north about 2.5 miles. Park near the
IAT. A trail leads northwest along Wassataquoik Stream
for several miles to the falls (rapids with huge boulders).
This trail can be mountain biked.
»
Deasey Mountain
At Mile 15.5 on the Loop Road drive on a side road north
about 2.5 miles to a parking area near the IAT. After a
short hike northwest, ford Wassataquoik Stream (check
river conditions), follow the IAT past a massive basalt
rock known as Earlʼs Erratic, then through mature stands
of spruce, fir, and hemlock. The 1,964-foot summit of
Deasey Mountain is capped by a fire lookout built in
1929. There is a 360-degree view of Katahdin, the
Turner Mountains, Mount Chase and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Messer Ponds
From the Monumentʼs northern Matagamon entrance
(check kiosk), drive 4 miles south on the Messer Pond
Road to a parking area at Haskell Gate. Hike a mile east
to the Old Telos Tote Road Trail, then about another 1.5
miles south. A short side trail on the left leads to Little
Messer Pond. Messer Pond is a mile further south on
the trail toward The Lookout. About another 1.5 mile
south of Messer Pond, on a short side trail, Big Spring
Brook Hut community cabin is available for overnighting,
first come, first serve.
ƒ
≈
The Lookout
The view from this 1,600-foot peak offers knock-yoursox-off scenery of Katahidin, The Traveler, South
Traveler and Sable Mountains. From the Messer Pond
Road parking area, hike about 7 miles to the Lookout.
…
Lunksoos Mountain
Add an extra 2.5 miles round trip to the Deasey
Mountain hike to reach this nearby 1,811-foot peak.
Follow International Appalachian Trail signs along a
mostly wooded saddle ridge to an exposed outcrop with
mountain views. A lean-to is a mile further on the IAT.
⑪ Sea Fury Crash Site
In 1950, a Hawker FB 11 “Sea Fury” piloted by Royal
Canadian Navy Lt. Mervin C. Hare crashed on a flight
from Quebec City to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The fate of
Lt. Hare remained a mystery until the wreckage of the
Sea Fury was discovered in February 1968. Do not
disturb any artifacts at this memorial site.
®
Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Recreation Map
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Katahdin Woods &
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Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA
Know before you go
The southern segment of the Monument is accessed from Stacyville via Swift Brook Road. The northern segment of the
Monument is accessed from Patten via Maine Route 159 and Grand Lake Road. It is an hour-and-a-half drive from one
entrance to the other, by Maine Routes 11 and 159. See detailed directions below. Entrance is free.
Important information:
• Access to the Monument is on private roads; always give logging trucks the right of way and plenty of room.
• Roads in the Monument are rough gravel; use of a high-clearance vehicle is suggested, but not necessary.
• Campsites provide picnic tables, fire rings and privies, but no other facilities; Carry In-Carry Out.
• Bring a map and compass, plenty of water, insect repellant, first aid kit, and a sense of adventure.
• On-site Monument headquarters at Lunksoos Camps (207-852-1291; [email protected])) on the Penobscot River East Branch has
a map kiosk, boat launch, and volunteer recreation managers.
• Cell service is scant or nonexistent; a satellite communicator can send and receive email and track your position.
• There are no park rangers to rescue you; in case of emergency, there may be phone service at Bowlin Camps (207-267-0884),
Matagamon, Wilderness Store (207-446-4635), or Shin Pond Village (207-528-2900); call State Police at 911 (or 800-432-7381).
• Follow Leave No Trace principles (https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles).
• There is no access to Baxter State Park from the National Monument.
Monument Directions
There is no public transportation to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Directions to southern entrance and Loop Road
• On Interstate 95, take Exit 264 in Sherman
• Go 0.3 mile north on Maine Route 158
• Turn left onto Maine Route 11
• At 5.2 miles, when Route 11 bends left, go straight onto Swift Brook Road (which becomes gravel);
this is the starting point for mile markers along Swift Brook Rd, and the following mileages
• At 5.3 miles, go left (straight takes you along the Penobscot East Branch to Lunksoos Camps)
• At 7.2 miles, cross Whetstone Bridge over the Penobscot East Branch
• At 9.9 miles, reach Sandbank Stream Campsite with an information kiosk
• At 0.3 mile past Sandbank Stream Campsite is a gate and welcome sign to the National Monument
• Just before this gate is a parking area with trails to a beaver pond and view of Katahdin's Knife Edge
Directions to northern entrance
• On Interstate-95, take Exit 264 in Sherman
• Go 0.3 mile north on Maine Route 158
• Go 9 miles north on Maine Route 11 to Patten
• Turn left onto Maine Route 159 West
• Go 9.5 miles to Shin Pond Village
• Continue about 15 miles on Grand Lake Road
• Cross the Penobscot East Branch, go 0.15 mile, turn left onto Messer Pond Road
Camping
Several primitive campsites (tent pad, fire ring, picnic table) and lean-tos are scattered throughout the National Monument,
mostly along the International Appalachian Trail and the Penobscot River East Branch. There is also a car accessible
campsite at Sandbank Stream near the southern road entrance and cabins (Haskell and Big Spring Brook Huts) in the
northern segment. Campsites and cabins are free on a first-come, first-serve basis, but campfire permits are required from
the Maine Forest Service (207-435-7963). If you are leaving a car parked overnight, it is best to notify NPS (207-2424342) or volunteer managers at Lunksoos Camps (207-852-1291) with dates, license plate number, and your plans.
Canoeing
Before paddling the Penobscot River East Branch or Seboeis River, consult a reliable guidebook, such as the AMC River
Guide: Maine. For guided trips or shuttles, contact Bowlin Camps (207-267-0884), or Mt. Chase Lodge in Shin Pond (207528-2183). There are boat launches along the Penobscot East Branch at Matagamon Dam, Matagamon Wilderness
Campground, Bowlin Camps, Elbow, Lunksoos Camps, and Whetstone. The private sporting camps and campgrounds
may charge a parking fee. There is canoe access to the Seboeis River via Maine Route 169 and Grondin Road, and at
Seboeis River Bridge on the Sherman Lumber Company Road. These backcountry roads can be rough for low vehicles.
Sources: National Park Service, Elliotsville Plantation Inc., Down East magazine, Maine Trails Finder, International Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Mountain Club, Friends of Baxter State Park, The Nature
Conservancy, RESTORE: The North Woods.
This brochure was prepared by RESTORE: The North Woods. It is not a publication of the National Park Service or any other agency or organization.
Effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but RESTORE assumes no responsibility for errors or future changes to the Monument. Visitors to Katahdin
Woods and Waters National Monument must assume all responsibility for their personal health and safety and the security of their personal belongings.
© RESTORE: The North Woods 20161011