[birds chirping] Welcome to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, one of the most remote areas in the eastern United States.
Katahdin Woods and Waters invites discovery of its rivers, [rushing water]
[trickling water] streams,
[bird chirping] woods,
flora,
fauna,
geology,
night skies,
and spectacular views of adjacent Mount Katahdin that have attracted humans for millennia.
[rushing water] This monument is located within the present and traditional homeland of the Penobscot Nation.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was established on August 24, 2016 by President Obama.
It preserves 87,000 acres of cultural, historic, and scenic beauty in northern Maine.
[bird chirping] This monument is a work in progress, constantly improving since its recent establishment.
The original travel routes on this land were the waterways.
In the early 1800s, roads started to be built for logging.
While logging no longer takes place in the monument itself, the roads remain and allow vehicle travel during the summer.
[car tires on gravel] These roads have wooden bridges, potholes, loose gravel, sharp rocks, overhanging branches, and mud.
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended to travel around the monument.
If you are not in a high-clearance vehicle, watch closely for sharp rocks and potholes so you can drive around them.
Logging still exists on land outside the monument boundaries.
You may encounter a logging truck. Logging trucks always have the right away so please pull over to the side of the road to let them pass.
Pay close attention to signage around the monument
such as monument entrances, parking, and trails.
The National Park Service will soon start a sign plan to improve signage within the monument.
There is also spotty cell service so make sure you bring a map of the monument and a GPS tracker if you own one.
[crickets] [birds chirping] Practice personal safety by letting a family member or friend know where you will be going, when, and what time you will be coming back.
Please stay a safe distance from all wildlife. Do not feed, harass, or follow wild animals.
What should you bring on your trip to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument?
[pencil on paper] A map of Katahdin Woods and Waters.
Hiking shoes for muddy and rocky conditions on hiking trails and stream crossings.
Bug spray and a head net.
There are many types of swarming, biting insects in the spring and summer months.
Perform a tick check after your visit.
Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and a hat.
Bring water, extra food, and clothing. There is no potable water available in the monument.
According to the season, bring other weather-appropriate items.
There are also no waste receptacles in the monument.
Leave no trace, pack out your waste when you leave the monument.
When camping, all garbage, food, toiletries and any odorous items that may attract a bear,
must be stored in bear-resistant canisters or inside a National Park Service metal storage box at your campsite.
[crickets chirping] In 2020, DarkSky International certified Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the eastern seaboard.
You can experience the monument’s spectacular view of the night sky by camping!
[fire crackling] Here are our favorite night sky viewing sites in the monument.
[mouse click] [typing on keyboard] To reserve a campsite in advance, go to: www.recreation.gov
[birds chirping] Download the National Park Service App on your mobile device and search for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
for more information on what to see, where to stay, amenities and more!
Make sure you save the monument for offline use, even when there is no cell service.
[mouse click] [typing on keyboard] Check out the website and stay up to date.
Enjoy your visit at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.