Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping

Aug 30th: Amazing Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument campsite

• The East Branch of the Penobscot River flows all the way through the monument, about 25 miles from north to south. The first 10 miles drops over 200ft, creating a series of waterfalls and rapids (Stair Falls, Haskell Rock Pitch, Pond Pitch, Grand Pitch, the Hulling Machine, and Bowlin Falls).
• The Seboeis River and Wassataquoik Stream also create scenic viewpoints in the monument, such as Orin Falls.
• Katahdin Woods and Waters is known for its dark sky. In 2020 it was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
• Forest, waterways, and wetlands provide critical habitat and corridors for plants and wildlife, including threatened species such as Atlantic salmon, Canada lynx, and rare mussels and butterflies.
• Geological formations are throughout the monument. Haskell Rock is a 20 ft tall conglomerate bedrock pillar in the East Branch. Popular hikes include trails on Barnard, Deasey, and Lunksoos Mountains.

• There are many ways visitors can experience Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Below are a few recommended activities:
• Hiking: Choose a hike that meets your abilities to observe the biodiversity of the monument.
• Biking: Bike on historic logging roads (current and former) within the monument that display signs of logging activity that dates back as early as the 1800s.
• Camping: Sleep under the stars. Katahdin Woods and Waters is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the first to be certified in the state of Maine and in New England.
• Paddling: Paddlers can experience the scenic hydraulic features that are ecologically and culturally significant within the monument. The streams and rivers within the monument provide important habitat for spawning and rearing federally endangered Atlantic salmon.
• Wildlife watching and birding: The monument provides a landscape for a wide variety of wildlife. Birds can be seen and heard year-round. Pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians are most active during the spring and summer months. However, large mammals like moose, black bear, and Canada lynx are often what visitors have their cameras ready for.
• Fishing: Anglers enjoy catching brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass at the monument.
• Sight seeing: Visitors often enjoy the views of Katahdin (located in Baxter State Park ) and the scenic waterways at the monument.
• Snowmobiling and hunting in designated areas: Snowmobiling and hunting are only allowed in specifically designated areas of the monument.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter: The monument provides a limited area of groomed cross-country trails at the North Gate for visitors to use.

• Baxter State Park (where Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail's northern terminus are located) is adjacent to the western boundary of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
• Penobscot River Trails

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