Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
National Monument · ME
Caution · Hunting Season Begins
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.
More informationCaution · Increased Logging Traffic Along Swift Brook Road
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.
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.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/kaww
- Location
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (45.957, -68.712)
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Passport stamp locations
- Millinocket Contact Station
- Tekakapimək Contact Station
Hours
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monumenttoday: All Day
- Sat Oct 3All Day
- Sun Oct 4All Day
- Mon Oct 5All Day
- Tue Oct 6All Day
- Wed Oct 7All Day
- Thu Oct 8All Day
- Fri Oct 9All Day
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 Entrancetoday: All Day
Visitor centers
1
- Tekakapimək Contact Stationtoday: 10:00AM - 4:00PMDirections
Self-guided tours
3
1 Day - Drive and Hike the Northern Section5–8 hours · 5 stops
This self-guided drive and hike tour suggests an itinerary for visitors looking for a day trip at the northern section of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The first stop at the Oxbow Picnic Area is an optional stop for a close-up view of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. The northern section of Katahdin Woods and Waters NM provides a more remote experience for visitors with views of the East Branch of the Penobscot River and many miles of trails to hike.
1 Day - Ecology and Geology Experience (Southern Section)5–8 hours · 5 stops
Only have 1 day at Katahdin Woods and Waters NM? This family-friendly tour guides visitors to experience the ecology and geology within the southern section of KAWW without too much time on the road. First, take Swift Brook Road to the Loop Road Entrance. Continue ahead to the Deasey Ponds Parking Lot. Here, the tour invites you to use the vault toilet and stretch your legs on a 1.2 mile (round-trip) hike. Then, drive to Katahdin Overlook for a scenic picnic. Stop at Lynx Pond on your way home.
Roadside Scenic Views at Katahdin Woods and Waters NM4–6 hours · 5 stops
This self-guided driving tour suggests locations within the monument that are easy to view from within the vehicle or only require a short walk. Be aware of logging trucks on the road, they always have the right of way.
Entrance fees
No entrance fee.