Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Maine
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 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).
🚗 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.
Images
The East Branch of the Penobscot River is filled with wildness and beautiful scenery for the adventurous few who travel down it.
Credit: Jason Gablaski
Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument has arguably the best autumn foliage out of any national park unit.
Credit: NPS / Jason Gablaski
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, Jul 12
Sunny
High: 77.7°F | Low: 59.2°F
Humidity: 59%
Wind: 4.3 mph
Rain Chance: 3%
UV Index: 7.3
Sunrise: 04:56 AM
Sunset: 08:25 PM
Moon: New Moon (2%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 61.2°F
Cloud Cover: 3%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Jul 13
Sunny
High: 83.3°F | Low: 60.9°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 8.9 mph
Rain Chance: 39%
UV Index: 7.3
Sunrise: 04:57 AM
Sunset: 08:24 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 62.9°F
Cloud Cover: 39%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Jul 14
Fog
High: 86.9°F | Low: 57.3°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 11 mph
Rain Chance: 61%
UV Index: 7.8
Sunrise: 04:58 AM
Sunset: 08:24 PM
Moon: New Moon (1%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 66.8°F
Cloud Cover: 61%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Winter Festival
Join us for an afternoon of winter exploration! Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the Maine Forest Service, and many others will set up interactive stations that youth and their families can visit to learn all about winter ecology, recreation, safety, and more.
- Activities include:
- Family programs
- Hands-on exploration
- Snowmobile displays
- Cross-country skiing
- Warming fire
- and so much more!
Location: Patten Lumbermen's Museum, 61 Shin Pond Road, Patten, ME
Date: Feb 28, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
In-person General Management Plan Public Meeting
Join us for an in-person public meeting!
Please join park staff and planners to learn about the planning process and share your ideas for the General Management Plan.
Location: Katahdin Higher Education Center/Eastern Maine Community College 1 Dirigo Drive East Millinocket, Maine 04430
Date: May 5, 2026 12:00am to May 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
In-person General Management Plan Public Meeting
Join us for an in-person public meeting!
Please join park staff and planners to learn about the planning process and share your ideas for the General Management Plan.
Location: Katahdin Region Middle/High School Cafeteria 800 Station Road Stacyville, Maine 04777
Date: May 6, 2026 12:00am to May 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sunsets and Stars
An evening of observation and conversation with Dark Sky Ranger Heidi Hummel and the Katahdin Region Chapter of Dark Sky Maine. Learn about space, stargazing, and how you can support the preservation of beautiful dark skies in the Katahdin Region.
Location: Park at the River Drivers Restaurant (30 Twin Pines Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462) at the New England Outdoor Center. Meet in the parking area outside the restaurant and walk to the point/picnic area on Millinocket Lake.
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Bird Walk
Join a ranger to see and hear some of the wide variety of resident and migratory birds found at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, including raptors, warblers and various songbirds. While you walk the paths at Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, you may hear more birds than you can see. Bring binoculars and a device with the Merlin app if you have them.
Paths consist of loose gravel with running and cross slopes up to 6%. The width of the paths ranges from 70" to 86". The distance covered will be approximately 0.25 miles.
Note: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and its restrooms will not be open during the walk. The closest available vault toilets are at the monument boundary on Swift Brook Road and at the Lunksoos Boat Launch.
Location: Meet in front of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station. From exit 264 on Interstate 95, turn north on Maine State Route 158. After 0.2 miles, turn left on Maine State Route 11 (also known as Grindstone Road.) Follow Route 11 for 6.2 miles. Continue straight onto Swift Brook Road (gravel) for 5.1 miles. Turn right onto Contact Station Road (gravel) and continue driving until you reach Tekαkαpimək Contact Station. All roads within the monument are unpaved.
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Route 11
Patten, ME 04765
🏤 Mailing Address:
PO Box 446
Patten, ME 04765
📞 Voice Phone: 207-456-6001
✉️ Email: kaww_info@nps.gov