Discover one of the newest additions to the National Park Service: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, nestled in the northern woods of Maine near Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state and a famed terminus for the Appalachian Trail.
While this national monument doesn’t have direct access to Baxter State Park or Mount Katahdin, and the US Appalachian Trail doesn’t run through it, you’ll find an interesting twist. During our visit, we learned about the “International Appalachian Trail,” which extends partially through the monument and even stretches to parts of Europe — a fun fact shared by the Park Ranger, although it seemed a bit unusual.
Key Information:
– Founded: August 24, 2016
– Size: 87,563 acres
– Visitor Center: 200 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462
– Cancellation Stamps: Available at Shin Pond Village or the Visitor Center
– Fees: None
– Location: Off Route 11, near Millinocket, Maine; approximately 2.5 hours from Acadia National Park and 1.5 hours north of Bangor, Maine.
The history of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is quite intriguing. The land was acquired over two decades by one of the founders of Burt’s Bees. Around a decade ago, there was a push to designate it a National Monument, which was realized in the late days of the Obama administration. Though the monument faced criticism and threats of status removal by the Trump administration, it still stands today. Interestingly, there’s significant opposition from the local logging industry, which is evident from the numerous anti-monument signs. Since the park intertwines with logging areas, visitors must be cautious and give way to logging trucks on the roads.
The national monument itself feels brand new, with recent constructions including a few viewing areas and some well-marked trails. These paths and platforms seem freshly built, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore and experience these pristine areas. Despite the length of some trails, which limited our exploration during this visit, we plan to return soon and hopefully catch a glimpse of the elusive local moose, as suggested by the Park Ranger.
The visitor center is located in Millinocket, a town already known as a gateway to the Appalachian Trail. While a quick stop at the visitor center is worthwhile if you’re in the area, transportation within the park is currently nonexistent. So, you need your own vehicle to explore. Although the park may lack grand features compared to others, if you’re a National Park enthusiast like me, it’s worth a visit to get that stamp and take in the serene surroundings.