Frequently Asked Questions

A backpacker walks along a portion of the International Appalachian Trail that crosses through monument territory.

NPS/ Anne Longman

• When was Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument established? Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was established on August 24, 2016 by President Obama as the 413th unit of the National Park Service.
• How was the monument established? President Obama used the Antiquities Act to establish the monument in Presidential Proclamation 9476. The Antiquities Act was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 8, 1906.
• Are there any fees? The monument is fee free! There are no fees to enter and enjoy the park. Learn more about planning for a trip to Katahdin Woods and Waters.
• What is the difference between a national monument and a national park? Both designations are part of the National Park Service. National monuments are established through Presidential proclamation using the Antiquities Act. National Parks are established through Congress and enabling legislation.
• Can I make reservations for campsites? Reservations are highly recommended and available through Recreation.gov. Follow the steps on the camping page. At this time there are minimal primitive camping opportunities in the monument.
• Where is "the monument?" Unlike the Washington Monument, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument does not contain a commemorative obelisk, statue or other structure. National monuments are one type of designation for a National Park Service unit and may be proclaimed by the President under the Antiquities Act of 1906 or established by Congress.
• How big is the monument? Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument encompasses 87,500 acres in Penobscot County, Maine and is made up of 13 parcels of land donated by Elliotsville Plantation Inc. and Roxanne Quimby, former owner of Burt’s Bees.
• Can I have a campfire in the monument? Campfires are allowed only in NPS-provided stone or metal fire rings in designated locations at established campgrounds, campsites, and lean-tos. Campfires at these locations are authorized by the Maine Forest Service and do not require a permit.
• What is the dog policy in the monument? Dogs are allowed on trails in the monument and must be on a leash no longer than 6ft (2m) at all times. Please read about pets at Katahdin Woods and Waters before you visit. Dogs and pets are not allowed in or around the camping huts.
• Where can I get a NPS passport stamp? National Park Passport stamps can be obtained at the following location(s):
  • Tekakapimək Contact Station. For more information and hours, check Visitor Centers - Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (U.S. National Park Service).
  • Lumbermen’s Museum/Veterans' Memorial Library 61 Shin Pond Rd, Patten, ME 04765
• What are the access routes to the monument? How do I get there? Directions can be found on the directions and transportation page. There are 3 official access routes into the monument:
  • Swift Brook Road: For the south entrance and the Katahdin Loop Road
  • New River Road: For the north entrance
  • American Thread Road: For access to the Seboeis parcel