The monument begins about an hour north of Bangor and is accessed by the Woods and Waters Scenic Byway ( Route 11 ) and a 14-mile scenic loop road ( closed in winter ). The KWW Scenic Byway offers 89 miles of roads to experience the National Monument . Natural highlights along this route include scenic views of Mount Katahdin , wildlife , hiking trails , paddling , camping , waterfalls , and fall leaf peeping . Many people also stop at the Patten Lumbermen ’ s Museum , Shin Brook Falls , and the Ambajejus Boomhouse .
The East Branch of the Penobscot River winds through the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument , offering excellent fishing , canoe trips , and whitewater rafting . From vistas and views , bald eagles and moose , to paddling and hiking adventures , the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument is an untouched region just waiting to be explored . If you ’ re looking for a peaceful , pristine natural landscape where you can reconnect with nature , this is the place .
There are no facilities in the monument . Welcome centers in Millinocket and at the Lumberman ’ s Museum in Patten provide visitor information and maps . There is no entrance fee . Primitive campsites and lean-tos are available on a first-come , first-served basis . Info at nps . gov / kaww .
Pro tip
Use the FIND PARKS & LANDS TOOL at maine . gov / dacf / parks to search for natural areas by region or activity
BAXTER STATE PARK The vast Baxter State Park is the legacy of former Maine Governor Percival P . Baxter who donated the park ’ s first land , including Katahdin , under the condition that it be kept forever wild . Today , visitors can hike 215 miles of trails , camp at one of 337 campsites , or explore 210,000 acres of wilderness . The
Moosehead Lake from Mount Kineo
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