Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Huts

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine's north woods, protecting part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Huts in the north end of the monument provide a place to stay overnight while cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and enjoying other recreational activities. The huts are open for stays during the winter season only. There are many ways to experience the monument. A limited area of groomed cross-country trails at the North Gate is available in winter. Hikers can choose a route that meets their abilities and observe the monument's biodiversity, and bikers can ride historic logging roads, current and former, that display signs of logging activity dating back as early as the 1800s. Paddlers can experience the scenic hydraulic features that are ecologically and culturally significant here; the streams and rivers provide important habitat for spawning and rearing federally endangered Atlantic salmon. Anglers catch brook, rainbow and brown trout as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. Snowmobiling and hunting are allowed only in specifically designated areas. Birds can be seen and heard year-round, pollinators, reptiles and amphibians are most active during the spring and summer months, and large mammals like moose, black bear and Canada lynx are often what visitors have their cameras ready for. Visitors also enjoy the views of Katahdin, in adjacent Baxter State Park, and the scenic waterways. Katahdin Woods and Waters is known for its dark skies, and in 2020 it was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the first in Maine and in New England. Campsites, lean-tos and huts are dispersed throughout the monument. All roads within it are unpaved, and some sites can only be reached by hiking, biking, paddling, skiing or snowshoeing. There are no flush toilets within the monument boundaries; campsites may have vault or pit toilets, and other sites require following Leave No Trace practices for human waste. Most campsites have picnic tables and a stone or metal fire ring. Brown metal food storage lockers, also known as bear boxes, are available at some campsites; all odorous items must be stored in a bear-resistant canister or in a contained vehicle where there is no food locker. This location is unstaffed. 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 200 feet, 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 create scenic viewpoints as well, such as Orin Falls. Haskell Rock is a 20-foot tall conglomerate bedrock pillar in the East Branch, and popular hikes include trails on Barnard, Deasey and Lunksoos Mountains. 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.