Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Caution See 2 current alerts
Current alerts (2)
-
Caution
Hunting Season Begins
Hunting in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is now open for the 2026 season. Hunting is permitted on all monument land east of the East Branch Penobscot River. It is recommended that all visitors wear high visibility clothing regardless of their location within the monument until hunting seasons concludes. For more information about recreational hunting in the monument, please click below.
-
Caution
Increased Logging Traffic Along Swift Brook Road
Be alert for logging trucks along Swift Brook Road between the monument boundary and the start of the Loop Road. Logging trucks will be transporting logs on Swift Brook Road to Roberts Road. Logging trucks ALWAYS have the right of way. Keep your headlights on. Never stop on roads or bridges. Pull over to the side of the road to allow trucks to pass by.
Hours
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
| Every day | All Day |
|---|
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.
North Entrance
| Every day | All Day |
|---|
Coming up:
- Nov 2 – May 27: Late October to Late May (closed)
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.
South Entrance
| Every day | All Day |
|---|
Coming up:
- Nov 2 – May 27: Late October to Late May (closed)
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.
Katahdin Loop Road
| Every day | All Day |
|---|
Coming up:
- Nov 2 – May 27: Late October to Late May (closed)
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.
Visitor centers
Tekakapimək Contact Station
Tekakapimək Contact Station
| Monday | 10:00AM - 4:00PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday – Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday – Sunday | 10:00AM - 4:00PM |
Coming up:
- Nov 2 – May 27: Closed (closed)
The contact station is generally open from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. These dates are subject to change depending on road conditions. Weather permitting, the contact station may be open through the end of October. In 2026, the contact station will be open through Sunday, November 1.
About this park
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.