Ski or Snowshoe On 16 Miles of Groomed Trails
Step into a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis and enjoy the peace and quiet of the winter woods.
The North End/Matagamon entrance of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers nearly 25 miles of packed and groomed trails perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trails meander along the East Branch of the Penobscot River and through rolling forested terrain.
Grooming begins in the North End of the monument in early January. The trails offer a variety of routes for all ages and abilities. Trails are groomed for classic and, conditions permitting, skate skiing. Snowshoers and leashed pets must walk outside of the ski tracks.
There are currently no park ranger- or partner-led winter outings but please be sure to check the calendar of events for information on future programs.
Recommended Routes
- Old River Road Loop, approximately 3.5 miles
- Old River Road to Oxbow Picnic Area, approximately 4 miles
- Haskell Rock Pitch, approximately 12 miles
Download the cross-country ski map for more detail.
Cross-country skiing and winter hiking/snowshoeing are permitted on ungroomed trails. It is recommended that only experienced skiers or hikers use ungroomed hiking trails in winter as the terrain is often uneven and steep, ice falls may block the path, and marked routes can be obscured by snow.
Winter Camping
The following camping options are available in winter:
- Walk-in primitive tent sites at Upper East Branch and Haskell Dead Water. Overnight parking permit required.
- Walk-in lean-tos at Grand Pitch and Lunksoos Mountain. Overnight parking permit required.
- Bunk space in community huts at Haskell Hut and Big Spring Brook Hut. *Reservations and overnight parking permits required. Visit the Current Conditions page for the status of the huts in 2021.
Camping Guidelines
- Campers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions and must be self-sufficient.
- Camping is permitted only at established campsites.
- Campsites are carry in/carry out. Trash, including food scraps, must be collected, bagged, and carried out of the monument.
- Bringing in firewood is prohibited. Dead and down wood for campfires may be gathered in areas adjacent to the campsites.
Required Permits and Reservations
- Overnight parking permits are required for walk-in primitive tent sites and lean-tos.
- Reservations and overnight parking permits are required for bunk space in primitive community huts.
- Parking permits are required if parking overnight within the monument.
Reservations for the primitive community huts and overnight parking permits are available from the National Park Service. Please email us or call (207) 456-6001 for a permit.