The Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway takes visitors through some of the most spectacular natural landscape that inland Maine has to offer. Dominating that landscape is Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain at 5,268 feet and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The Byway begins at the southern entrance of Baxter State Park and winds its way through Millinocket along Route 11 and the Penobscot River to Patten, ending at Baxter’s northern entrance at Grand Lake Matagamon. The Katahdin region is unique and features Maine’s tallest mountain, its mightiest river and its greatest park.

Byway highlights include: boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, leaf peeping, hiking trails, historical landmarks, lake, pond, river and mountain views, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, state park, and wildlife.

Popular things to do and see along the Byway: Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Baxter State Park & Katahdin, Shin Falls, Grindstone Falls, Debsconeag Ice Caves, Ash Hill, Ambejejus Boomhouse Museum, Golden Road, and the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

AMAZING MOOSE WATCHING

Moose in this area abound! If you know when and where to go, you’ll easily find them around the Byway. Or if you need some help finding them, there are several moose tours and wildlife guides offering year-round trips… Learn more

PATTEN LUMBERMEN’S MUSEUM

Housed in nine buildings at the museum site, the vast collection of tools and equipment reflects every aspect of the woodsman’s life and work in the 1800s and the first three decades of the 20th century… Learn more

CANOE PADDLING & WHITE WATER RAFTING

Just to the east of Baxter State Park, the East Branch of the Penobscot River flows southward from Grand Lake Matagamon. This branch has been a popular part of the river for recreational canoe trips ever since Thoreau, Maine’s first ecotourist, described his guided excursion there in “The Maine Woods” (1864). Learn more

MEET THE LOCAL STARS!

Make a point to meet some of the area’s local craftsmen, unique business owners and masters of wildlife… Learn more

ABOL BRIDGE

A little off the beaten path, the Abol Bridge is located west of Millinocket and provides passage over the West Branch of the Penobscot River. The bridge offers broad, open views of Mount Katahdin along with spectacular views of the falls below… Learn more

GRINDSTONE FALLS (REST AREA & WALK)

Just 9 miles north of Route 157 in Medway, the Grindstone Rest Area at Grindstone Falls offers picnic, canoe launch, swimming and fishing opportunities and scenic views of a “Class A” section of the pristine river… Learn more