National Monument · ME

Things to do in Katahdin Woods and Waters

The National Park Service lists 25 things to do at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. 25 have no extra fee, 24 need no reservation, and 25 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (25) Hiking (8)Biking (6)Picnicking (3)Birdwatching (2)Front-Country Hiking (1)Hunting (1)Paddling (1)Cross-Country Skiing (1)Snowshoeing (1)Stargazing (1)
Orange and yellow fall colors on the trees line the double track IAT trail.
Photo: NPS photo / Rebecca Wang

Bike the IAT - Wassataquoik Stream Loop

Bike the 11 miles IAT-Wassataquoik Stream Loop at the southern section of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Biking

A small wooden bridge connects the rocky dirt road through the forest into the distance.
Photo: NPS photo / Gin Majka

Bike the Katahdin Loop Road

The Katahdin Loop Road is a 17 mile loop starting on the Swift Brook Road past Sandbank Stream Campground.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Biking

A landscape view of a large pond with blue skies and green vegetation in the distance.
Photo: NPS photo / Rebecca Wang

Bike the Upper East Branch Loop

Bike a 4 mile loop starting at the North Entrance to the monument off of Grand Lake Road.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Biking

A person biking in a dense, lush green forest on a double track trail.
Photo: NPS Photo / Sarah King

Bike to Big Spring Brook Hut

Take this 12 mile out-and-back route starting at Haskell Gate to Big Spring Brook Hut.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Biking

A landscape image of a large river flowing down and over large volcanic rocks that form rapids.
Photo: NPS photo / J Atchison

Bike to Haskell Rock Pitch

Bike this 4 mile out-and-back trail to Haskell Rock Pitch.

Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Pets allowed

Biking

Two bikers riding away on a gravel double track path in the woods lined with evergreen trees.
Photo: NPS photo / Gin Majka

Bike to Orin Falls

The Orin Falls Trail is a 6 mile out-and-back double track multiuse trail that leads you to a beautiful view of the Wassataquoik Stream.

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Biking

A great horned owl sitting on a branch at the top of a dead tree.
Photo: NPS / Grace Kirk

Birding At The North Gate Area

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides important and diverse breeding habitat for many species of birds. Enjoy birding at the north end of the monument!

Pets allowed

Birdwatching

A juvenile bald eagle (full brown plumage) perched on a branch of a birch tree.
Photo: NPS / Gin Majka

Birding In The Southern Section

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides important and diverse breeding habitat for many species of birds. Enjoy birding in the monument!

Pets allowed

Birdwatching

A wooden viewing platform with built in benches looks out at a large pond and forested wetland area.
Photo: NPS/Gin Majka

Hike Deasey Ponds Trail

Hike to Deasey Ponds by taking an easy 1.4 mile (round-trip) trail located at the southern area of the monument. From the parking lot, there is an option to extend your hike to view another wetland habitat.

45-90 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Hiking

A person with a backpacking pack hikes through the dense forest on the IAT. The trail is uneven.
Photo: NPS / Sarah King

Hike the International Appalachian Trail

Hike a segment of the International Appalachian Trail that connects the southern section to the northern section of the monument.

2-3 Days Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Hiking

A hiker at the gravel trailhead area with a view of Katahdin, a tall mountain in the distance.
Photo: NPS / R.Wang

Hike the Lichen Trail

Enjoy a 1.2 mile (1.9km) day hike on the Lichen Trail at the south section of the monument with a wonderful view of Katahdin.

1-2 Hours Pets allowed

Hiking

The Seboeis River flows between a lush forested area. It is a bright sunny day with blue skies.
Photo: NPS / R.Wang

Hike the Seboeis Riverside Trail

Hike the Seboeis Riverside Trail from the Seboeis Connector Trail. Starting from the Seboeis Connector Trail makes this hike 7.2 miles out and back (14.4 miles round trip). Enjoy the scenic hike alongside the Seboeis River.

0-7 Hours Pets allowed

Hiking

Two hikers and their dog on a leash have a picnic with a view on top of Barnard Mountain.
Photo: NPS/Gin Majka

Hike To Barnard Mountain

Hike to the top of 1,558ft Barnard Mountain for a magnificent and expansive viewpoint of Katahdin Lake and Mt. Katahdin.

2-4 Hours Pets allowed

Hiking

An expansive viewpoint from the top of a forested mountain. It is a sunny blue sky day.
Photo: NPS / R.Wang

Hike to Deasey Mountain

Hike to the top of Deasey Mountain for a scenic view of the monument and surrounding region.

5-8 Hours Pets allowed

Hiking

A 20ft conglomerate rock protrudes out of the East Branch of the Penobscot River.
Photo: NPS / R.Wang

Hike to Haskell Rock

Hike a total of 4 miles along the East Branch of the Penobscot River on the International Appalachian Trail to view Haskell Rock.

2-4 Hours Pets allowed

Hiking

Tierd rapids made of large glacial rocks form Orin Falls. The stream is surrounded by forest.
Photo: NPS / R.Wang

Hike To Orin Falls

Hike to Orin Falls for a magnificent view of a cascading waterfall.

3-6 Hours Pets allowed

Hiking

A hiker wearing a blaze orange vest stands on a trail in the middle of a dense forest.
Photo: NPS/Alyssa Mattei

Hunting In The Seboeis Parcel

Learn about hunting in the Seboeis Parcel of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

Pets allowed

Hunting

Available picnic tables sit on a grassy area next to a river.
Photo: NPS / Grace Kirk

Picnic at Lunksoos Boat Launch

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with a scenic view of the East Branch of the Penobscot River at Lunksoos Boat Launch!

Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Picnicking

A tightly cropped wooden picnic table. It sits on a grassy area above a river in the background.
Photo: NPS / Gin Majka

Picnic at the Oxbow

Enjoy a picnic at the Oxbow picnic area, located at the northern section of the monument.

Year-round Pets allowed

Picnicking

Two visitors cross country skiing on a groomed trail on a snowy day in the woods.
Photo: NPS

Ski the Northern Section

Start your winter experience at the North Entrance Gate, located just off Grand Lake Road and new River Road. These recommended routes provide an opportunity to be immersed in the North Maine Woods east of the East Branch Penobscot River.

Winter Pets allowed

Cross-Country Skiing

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Katahdin Woods and Waters. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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