Last updated: February 12, 2024
Thing to Do
Ski the Northern Section

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.
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 |