U. S. National Parks
Factbook

October 2026 edition
A Factbook library volume ↗

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National Monuments · Maine

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Official park website ↗

Introduction

Background: 1

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.

Geography

Designation: 3

National Monument

State or territory: 4

Maine

Park Map - Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: 5

Map of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The monument is bordered and shaded in dark green against otherwise lighter green terrain. Water is shown as blue, and roads are represented with yellow or white lines.
Park Map - Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument · National Park Service, Harpers Ferry Center · Official map PDF ↗

Map scope: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Map of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The monument is bordered and shaded in dark green against otherwise lighter green terrain. Water is shown as blue, and roads are represented with yellow or white lines.

Nature

Birds: 6

Do you hear that? A tweet, a hoot, or a honk? The monument has approximately 171 recorded species of birds and never reaches complete silence as hundreds of unique avian (of or relating to birds) species sing. Birds play a crucial role in the forest by eating bugs, fish, reptiles, rodents, berries, and seeds. Their diet helps the ecosystem by spreading seeds and aiding insect control by snacking on bugs.

Katahdin Woods and Waters is home to many marvelous songbirds, making it a coveted spot for birding . Sparrows, nuthatches, jays, and hundreds more species make an environment full of sound. Try standing quietly in the monument, and record what you hear. Recording sounds and sharing photos is a way visitors to participate in community science .

Raptors, otherwise called birds of prey, are a group of birds that hunt vertebrate species. Katahdin Woods and Waters NM plays host to many types of raptors, including bald eagles, ospreys and snowy owls. If you are lucky, you may even spot a rare golden eagle ruling the skies. In literature, raptors depict an image of power, believed to be sage, wizened, and dominant. The owl is a popular symbol for intelligence in folklore, often acting as a pillar of knowledge. The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. It symbolizes courage, strength, and freedom.

Wetlands on monument land provide fruitful habitat for water birds. Rivers attract ducks, while shallow shores make for perfect heron fishing grounds. Kingfishers and sandpipers are often seen along riverbanks. A keen eye and quiet voice can prove your greatest tools when looking for waterfowl.

Game birds, defined as birds hunted for sport, are also found in monument land. Popular game birds in the monument are ruffed grouse and turkey. There are two types of grouse living in the undergrowth of Maine’s forests, ruffed and spruce. Ruffed grouse, also commonly called a partridge, can be legally hunted in lands east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. It is illegal in the state of Maine to hunt spruce grouse. There is some crossover between waterfowl and game birds, with certain ducks available to hunt. Hunting is only legal in controlled portions of the monument, at certain times of year. Please consult the hunting page for more information.

Animals: 7

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument supports a diverse wildlife community. The landscape within the monument provides critical habitat and corridors for many species, from large black bears to small freshwater mussels. There have been 13 species of amphibians, 171 species of birds, 12 species of fish, 25 species of mammals, and 5 species of reptiles that have been recorded at the monument. Remember to always keep a safe distance from wildlife and use a binocular or zoom lens when possible. Browse the species list for more information or click on the pages below to learn more about the magnificent animals that call this place home.

Katahdin Woods and Waters is home to turtles and snakes. Learn more about reptiles in the monument here.

You know what lives in the woods, but what about the waters? Learn about the fish that inhabit Katahdin Woods and Waters.

Mammals: 8

A meadow jumping mouse, moose, and you! What do they have in common? These are all examples of mammals found at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Mammals, or class mammalia , are grouped together based on the following unique characteristics:

These broad characteristics allow for a variety of animals to be categorized as mammals, big and small. The monument’s largest wildlife, the moose, is a mammal. Moose are North America’s last remaining megafauna , a category of animals defined by their large size. Moose can be seen walking down roads, eating vegetation, or otherwise making themselves at home within the monument.

Small mammals such as red squirrels and mice are spotted most frequently, but with patience and a little bit of luck, visitors can see lynx , beavers , and even bears ! Learn more about mammal diversity at Katahdin Woods and Waters by clicking the images below. Remember: do not approach wildlife. Maintain a respectful distance at all times. It can save your life.

Visitor centers and places

Tekakapimək Contact Station: 9

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.

Lunksoos Campsites: 10

Lunksoos Campsite is generally accessible by road from Memorial Day to early November. In the winter, it is only accessible by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.

Upper East Branch Campsite: 11

The Upper East Branch Campsite is open year-round. Typically, it can be accessed by vehicle from late May-early November depending on road conditions. In the winter, campers must park at the north entrance and ski or snowshoe to the campsite.

Stair Falls Campsite: 12

The Stair Falls Campsite is open year-round. Depending on road conditions, it can be accessed from late May-early November by parking at Haskell Gate and hiking approximately 2 miles. In the winter, campers must park at the north entrance and ski or snowshoe to the campsite.

Esker Campsite: 13

The Esker Campsite is open year-round. Access by vehicle via Swift Brook Road and the Katahdin Loop Road is typically available from late May-early November. At other times of year, the Esker campsite would only be accessible by foot or boat.

Campgrounds

Sandbank Stream Campground: 14

Sandbank Stream Campground is open year-round. Access by wheeled vehicles is available from late May to early November. At other times of the year, the campground can be reached by foot, ski, or snowshoe.

Camping in the Monument: 15

Big Seboeis campsite along the East Branch Penobscot River. NPS / Grace Kirk Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers opportunites for camping year-round. The only campgrounds you can drive to are Sandbank Stream Campground, Lunksoos Campground, and Upper East Branch Campsite. All other campsites require a hike, bike, or paddle in. *Huts are only available for reservations during the winter .

Winter Camping Visitors can certainly experience snow camping during the winter here (this requires no reservations). However, snow camping in harsh winter conditions is not for everyone. The monument has two huts (Haskell Hut and Big Spring Brook Hut) located a few miles into the woods that are available only during the winter. Visit the winter camping page for more information about staying at Haskell Hut and Big Spring Brook Hut. They are only available by reservation through Recreation.gov .

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers opportunites for camping year-round. The only campgrounds you can drive to are Sandbank Stream Campground, Lunksoos Campground, and Upper East Branch Campsite. All other campsites require a hike, bike, or paddle in. *Huts are only available for reservations during the winter . In 2026, reservations will be required for Lunksoos and Sandbank Stream Campgrounds, as well as for Big Seboeis campsite. Reservations for campsites can be made for stays between Memorial Day weekend through mid-October on Recreation.gov starting April 20, 2026. Click on the pages below to learn more about reservations and campsites.

Campfires are permitted in NPS-provided stone or metal fire rings and wood stoves only in designated locations such as established campsites and lean-tos.

Camping for visitors looking for a more rugged experience and to leave the road behind.

207-456-6001 Staff are generally available to answer the phone between 8 am and 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible. Messages are checked in the morning on weekends and intermittently throughout the day when staff are available.

Visitor information

Physical Address: 16

Route 11
Patten, ME 04765

Mailing Address: 17

PO Box 446
Patten, ME 04765

Telephone: 18

(207) 456-6001

Visitation

Recreation visits: 19

33,835 (2025)

Sources & field notes

Source records (19)

Select a numbered reference to open a source card. Retrieval dates describe this edition’s source capture, rather than an independent verification or the date of the underlying information.

  1. Background · Official park structured information. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored government work generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  2. Canoe on the Shore · NPS/ R. Wang. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Catalog image date
    10/06/2023
    Source scope
    Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    Public domain:Full Granting Rights
    Rights
    Public domain:Full Granting Rights
    Return to field ↑

  3. Designation · National Park System directory. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    Factual reference data; source attribution retained.
    Return to field ↑

  4. State or territory · National Park System directory. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    Factual reference data; source attribution retained.
    Return to field ↑

  5. Park Map - Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument · National Park Service, Harpers Ferry Center. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Source scope
    Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
    Download
    Official map PDF ↗
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    Public domain; NPS map
    Rights
    Public domain; NPS map
    Return to field ↑

  6. Birds · Birds — National Park Service. Open source ↗

    Information date
    October 24, 2024
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS webpage text; U.S. government work generally public domain. Third-party material may have separate rights.
    Return to field ↑

  7. Animals · Animals — National Park Service. Open source ↗

    Information date
    October 18, 2024
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS webpage text; U.S. government work generally public domain. Third-party material may have separate rights.
    Return to field ↑

  8. Mammals · Mammals — National Park Service. Open source ↗

    Information date
    October 3, 2024
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS webpage text; U.S. government work generally public domain. Third-party material may have separate rights.
    Return to field ↑

  9. Tekakapimək Contact Station · National Park Service park structured data. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  10. Lunksoos Campsites · National Park Service park structured data. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  11. Upper East Branch Campsite · National Park Service park structured data. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  12. Stair Falls Campsite · National Park Service park structured data. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  13. Esker Campsite · National Park Service park structured data. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  14. Sandbank Stream Campground · National Park Service park structured data. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  15. Camping in the Monument · National Park Service. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored U.S. government work is generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  16. Physical Address · Official park structured information. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored government work generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  17. Mailing Address · Official park structured information. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored government work generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  18. Telephone · Official park structured information. Open source ↗

    Information date
    Not supplied by the source
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    NPS-supplied text; NPS-authored government work generally public domain, subject to third-party rights.
    Return to field ↑

  19. Recreation visits · National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics. Open source ↗

    Information date
    2025
    Retrieved
    2026-10-30
    Methodology
    NPS reporting unit; annual total is the sum of 12 monthly recreation visit estimates.
    Reporting unit
    Katahdin Woods and Waters NM
    Evidence
    Single source; not independently corroborated.
    Reuse
    Factual reference data; source attribution retained.
    Return to field ↑
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Source information

NPS VISITOR USE STATISTICS

Recreation visits

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