Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway DESTINATION KATAHDIN - The Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway is 89 miles long and offers breathtaking views of Katahdin.

Welcome to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway! The Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway is 89 miles long and offers breathtaking views of Katahdin and the Appalachian chain, and provides a mix of pastoral farms, meadows, recreational trails, and working forests filled with wildlife and significant natural areas. Dominating that landscape is Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mount

ain 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. Select your adventure on our website! A Katahdin Partnership initiative.

What is your favorite way to experience fall in the Katahdin region? A scenic drive framed by foliage, a quiet forest tr...
08/26/2026

What is your favorite way to experience fall in the Katahdin region? A scenic drive framed by foliage, a quiet forest trail, a stop beside rushing water, a warm local meal—or stargazing beneath one of Maine’s darkest skies?

Discover fall with all five senses and start planning your Katahdin getaway: https://destinationkatahdin.org/experience-fall-maine-katahdin-region/

Share your favorite fall spot in the comments!

Experience fall in Maine's Katahdin Region: stunning landscapes, local cuisine, and breathtaking views along the scenic byway. PLAN HERE »

Find your way to Katahdin! Discover scenic drives, unforgettable trails, welcoming communities, and year-round outdoor a...
08/25/2026

Find your way to Katahdin! Discover scenic drives, unforgettable trails, welcoming communities, and year-round outdoor adventures in Maine’s Katahdin region.

Plan your getaway: https://destinationkatahdin.org/travel-guides/

Travel Guides for the Katahdin region! Information is all in one place and organized thematically. GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR VISIT >>

The 2026 Trails End Festival schedule is officially live! Join Millinocket September 11–13 at Veterans Memorial Park, fo...
08/24/2026

The 2026 Trails End Festival schedule is officially live! Join Millinocket September 11–13 at Veterans Memorial Park, for three days of free live music, local vendors, family activities, great food, and Katahdin-region fun.

This year’s live music lineup features World Famous The Grassholes, River Bottom Funk, Don Campbell Music, Jeff Hamm & Friends, Andy Revkin, Wally & Company, Trish King Music & Company, Anni Clark, Julia Haven, Dennis “One Man Band” McGuire, and On The Rocks.

Festival favorites include the All Trails Lead to Katahdin Parade, Chili Cook-Off, University of Maine Woodsmen Team demonstrations, Vendor Fair, climbing wall, Rubber Duck Race, No Duck Left Behind Paddle, face painting, bounce obstacle course, and bungee trampolines.

See the complete 2026 schedule and start planning your visit: https://destinationkatahdin.org/listing/trails-end-festival/

Where Trails End, Festivities Begin!

READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE MAINE TRIP? Journey from the dramatic Bold Coast to the magnificent Crown of Maine on an eigh...
08/22/2026

READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE MAINE TRIP? Journey from the dramatic Bold Coast to the magnificent Crown of Maine on an eight-day adventure filled with coastal charm, peaceful lakes, Katahdin views, and wide-open landscapes.

Explore our itinerary and suggestions, and click on the excellent traveler resources also provided by our friends at Aroostook County Tourism & DownEast Acadia: https://destinationkatahdin.org/from-the-bold-coast-to-the-crown-of-maine-an-eight-day-maine-adventure/

Which stop along this route is your favorite—or at the top of your must-visit list? Tell us below! 👇

MAINE TRIP! Experience Maine's charm on a road trip from the Bold Coast to the Crown, filled with natural wonders and historical gems.

NO WEEKEND PLANS? Make your escape to the Katahdin region and take our Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway :-)...
08/21/2026

NO WEEKEND PLANS? Make your escape to the Katahdin region and take our Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway :-) Explore scenic trails, peaceful lakes, local shops, enjoy delicious restaurants and breweries, and meet our welcoming Maine communities—all surrounded by unforgettable North Woods beauty and Maine's highest peak, Katahdin.

For maps, guides, activities, restaurants, lodging and gear rental options, please visit: https://www.destinationkatahdin.org

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway in Maine. Explore majestic mountains, stunning rivers, and picturesque parks.

Join Boreal Theater in downtown Millinocket for Baroque Masterworks, an afternoon of exceptional chamber music featuring...
08/19/2026

Join Boreal Theater in downtown Millinocket for Baroque Masterworks, an afternoon of exceptional chamber music featuring acclaimed cellist Timothy Garrett and pianist Caleb Sension. The program will feature works by Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and John Eccles, performed with sensitivity, precision, and a shared passion for musical storytelling.

INFO & TICKETS: https://borealtheater.org/event/timothy-garrett-caleb-sension-duo-cello-piano-concert/

Cellist Timothy Garrett and pianist Caleb Sension present a performance featuring works by Vivaldi, Bach, & Eccles. August 30, 2026 | 3–5 PM

LODGING GUIDE - KATAHDIN. Heading to Katahdin and still need a place to stay? Planning ahead for a fall foliage or winte...
08/14/2026

LODGING GUIDE - KATAHDIN. Heading to Katahdin and still need a place to stay? Planning ahead for a fall foliage or winter getaway, a Baxter State Park or KW&W National Monument adventure, or want to explore our beautiful region?

Our Katahdin Region Lodging Guide makes it easier to find the right home base for your visit. Explore hotels, motels, inns, lodges, cabins, sporting camps, hostels, campgrounds, RV sites, vacation rentals, and other accommodations throughout the region—from Millinocket and the lakes to Medway, Patten, Mount Chase, Shin Pond, and Matagamon.

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable room in town, a cozy lakeside cabin, a rustic North Woods retreat, or a campsite close to the region’s outdoor adventures, this guide is a great place to begin.

Availability can change quickly—especially during peak hiking and foliage seasons—so start exploring your options today:

https://destinationkatahdin.org/lodging-guide-katahdin-region/

Please share with anyone planning a trip to the Katahdin Region!

Welcome to the Katahdin Region Lodging Guide, your resource for finding a comfortable base while exploring Maine’s North Woods. LODGING GUIDE >

STARGAZERS, GET READY TO LOOK UP! The Katahdin Region—home to some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi—is hosti...
08/13/2026

STARGAZERS, GET READY TO LOOK UP! The Katahdin Region—home to some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi—is hosting an incredible lineup of night-sky events!

• August 14 — “Home Is Where the Dark Is” Ranger Talk & Star Party at Baxter State Park
• August 15 — 10th Anniversary Star Party at New England Outdoor Center - NEOC
• August 26 — Telescope in Town moon viewing at the Patten Recreation Area
• September 19 — International Observe the Moon Night at Jerry Pond in Millinocket
• October 3 — Stars Over Katahdin in Stacyville

Peer through telescopes, explore the Moon, learn how natural darkness affects wildlife, and experience the Milky Way beneath the extraordinary skies of the Katahdin Region.

Bring warm layers, a red flashlight, and your sense of wonder :-) Event details and stargazing tips:
https://destinationkatahdin.org/look-up-dark-sky-events-illuminate-the-katahdin-region/

The Katahdin Region offers incredible Dark-Sky Events for stargazers. Learn about our amazing night sky and wildlife interactions. LIST OF EVENT >

A new North Woods getaway in the Millinocket area! Welcome to Birch's Campground & Beer Garden, which opened earlier thi...
08/13/2026

A new North Woods getaway in the Millinocket area! Welcome to Birch's Campground & Beer Garden, which opened earlier this year and is adding new camping, cabins, and campfire nights. Weekend Beer Garden is open!— options near the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

Choose from tent sites, cozy cabins, yurts, and rustic huts. After a day of hiking, mountain biking, swimming, or fishing, relax with beer or wine in the inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, complete with games, gardens, and comfortable seating.

Birch’s Campground is pet-friendly, too, so bring your four-legged adventurer along to meet resident camp companion Moxie!

Located just off the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway, Birch’s is only about 25 minutes from Baxter State Park’s South Gate.

Discover Millinocket’s newest North Woods base camp: https://destinationkatahdin.org/listing/birchs-campground-beer-garden-millinocket/

Camping, cabins & campfire nights

HUNGRY FOR BBQ? Our Katahdin Barbecue Trail introduces you to five delicious stops between mountain hikes, river adventu...
08/13/2026

HUNGRY FOR BBQ? Our Katahdin Barbecue Trail introduces you to five delicious stops between mountain hikes, river adventures, scenic drives, and trail rides. You’ll find local pitmasters serving smoky ribs, tender brisket, pulled pork, sausages, and all the classic sides.

Come hungry, explore the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway, and discover how perfectly North Woods adventure pairs with authentic barbecue.

Start planning your delicious BBQ road trip: https://destinationkatahdin.org/the-katahdin-barbecue-trail/

Hours and menus may change seasonally, so check with each restaurant before visiting.

Explore the Katahdin Barbecue Trail and discover local pitmasters serving up delicious smoked meats and unique recipes.

Address

PO Box 601
Millinocket, ME
04462

Telephone

(207) 433-0212

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