Snowshoe the East Branch Loop

Enjoy a groomed 3.7 mile winter trail starting at the North Gate.

Courtesy of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters

Start your (3.7 miles/5.9km round trip) snowshoe adventure from the North Entrance Gate, located just off Grand Lake Road and New River Road. Add an additional 0.5 miles to your trip if you choose to detour south to the Oxbow Picnic Site for a snack and view. All campsites and picnic areas are unmaintained during the winter.

This route is fairly flat with an average of 55ft of elevation gain. It runs along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. This river holds a stunning concentration of nationally significant hydrological, geological, and ecological features. It also provides important habitat for spawning and rearing federally endangered Atlantic salmon.

Trail Information

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 (packed snow) areas and start at the North Entrance parking lot. Please be courteous and snowshoe next to the cross country tracks so the winter recreation trails can be enjoyed by all. 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 Haskell Rock Pitch and 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. Summer trails beyond Big Spring Brook Hut and Pond Pitch are unmaintained. Snow is deep in these areas and will require more effort and energy to snowshoe through them. Know your limits before continuing on unmaintained winter areas. 

Details

Activity

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe on a groomed loop trail at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

East Branch Loop

Start this loop trail at the parking lot located near the North Gate. This loop is 3.7 miles/5.9km round trip with 55ft elevation gain.

Reservations

No

Season

Winter

Equipment is not provided. Come prepared with your own recreation equipment.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Winter trails are groomed, but conditions fluctuate depending on weather. Expect uneven surfaces. There is 55ft of elevation change.