Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
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Katahdin Woods and Waters at a glance
- Best time
- June–September
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Hike the International Appalachian Trail
- Nearby city
- Patten, ME
Explore this park
About Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
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.
- Spring
30°F – 70°F · -1°C – 21°C
- Summer
45°F – 90°F · 7°C – 30°C
- Fall
30°F – 70°F · -1°C – 21°C
- Winter
14°F – 35°F · -10°C – 2°C
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).
Operating Hours
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.
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North Entrance
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.
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South Entrance
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.
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Katahdin Loop Road
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.
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Common questions
Planning Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Katahdin Woods and Waters. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
