Ski the Northern Section

Cross country skiing is a way to experience the monument in the winter.

NPS

Start your winter experience at the North Entrance Gate, located just off Grand Lake Road and New River Road. There are a few recommended routes that can provide an opportunity to be immersed in the North Maine Woods along the East Branch Penobscot River.

The East Branch of the Penobscot River holds a stunning concentration of nationally significant hydrological, geological, and ecological features. The East Branch of the Penobscot River System, including its major tributaries, is at the center of the monument's cultural landscape. It also provides important habitat for spawning and rearing federally endangered Atlantic salmon.

Tracked & Groomed Winter Trails

A portion of the northern section of the monument is maintained during the winter. Visitors can park at the plowed parking lot located by the North Entrance. This is where the majority of winter activities begin.

Designated cross country ski tracks are set on groomed areas and start at the North Entrance parking lot. These cross country tracks cover the New River Road, East Branch Road, Oxbow Road, and on the IAT up until Haskell Rock Pitch. Trails that spur off the roads and IAT are not maintained. Download the cross-country ski map for more detail.

Groomed (Packed Snow) Trails

Some areas in the northern section will be groomed to packed snow only, meaning, without tracks. Packed snow trails start after Stair Falls. Visitors will follow packed snow trails to Big Spring Brook Hut.

Unmaintained Winter Trails

Areas that are used in the summertime can also be used in the winter. Areas beyond Big Spring Brook Hut and Pond Pitch are unmaintained. Know your limits before continuing on unmaintained winter areas.

 

 

Details

Activity

Cross-Country Skiing

Pets Allowed

Yes

Please be mindful of the groomed tracks and follow guidance for winter trail etiquette.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

North Entrance

Reservations

No

Season

Winter

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The northern section of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is partially groomed with packed and tracked trails in the winter. Be aware of surfaces that may have snow covered ice.

Recommended Ski and Snowshoe Routes
Name	Maintenance Type	Distance (Round Trip)	Elevation Gain
Upper East Branch Loop	Groomed & Tracked	3.7 mi/5.9 km	54 ft/16.5 m
Haskell Rock Pitch	Groomed & Tracked	11.7 mi/18.8 km	163 ft/49.7 m
Haskell Hut	Groomed & Tracked	10.2 mi/16.4 km	152 ft/46.9 m
Big Spring Brook Hut	Groomed (tracks stop at Haskell Rock Pitch)	18.86 mi/ 30.4 km	262 ft/79.8 m