36 Hours in Katahdin Woods & Waters Region
The mile-high summit of Katahdin and the surrounding Baxter State Park may be the most famous outdoor destinations in the Maine Highlands, but just northeast lies another vast and untamed expanse: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KWWNM) and the welcoming towns that border it. Here, expansive vistas meet tumbling waterfalls, wildlife appears around unexpected corners, and solitude in the wilderness is easy to find.
Where to Stay
Mt. Chase Lodge, Patten
On the shore of Upper Shin Pond, the family-owned Mt. Chase Lodge offers rooms in the main building as well as private, wooded cabins. Canoes, kayaks and a swim dock make it easy to enjoy the pond, while the lodge’s central location is ideal for exploring the region’s trails, waterfalls and scenic drives. Dining here is a highlight, with house-made breakfasts, multicourse dinners and packed lunches for adventuring.
Shin Pond Village, Mt. Chase
The sprawling Shin Pond Village includes cabins, lodge rooms and a large campground with RV hookups and secluded tent sites. On-site amenities include a convenience store, a restaurant serving pub-style fare and ATV/snowmobile rentals, making it a hub for motorized recreation in all seasons.
Where to Eat
Bear Mountain Smoke Shack, Mt. Chase
Open Friday through Sunday, the roadside Bear Mountain Smoke Shack is a barbecue stop with indoor and outdoor seating, and specialties include brisket, pulled pork and classic barbecue sides.
Salted Butter Farm, Sherman
Housed in a striking purple Victorian home, Salted Butter Farm serves locally sourced salads, sandwiches and pizzas, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The rotating seasonal menu keeps things fresh for repeat visits.
Hiking Trails
Mount Chase (3.4 miles round trip, moderate)
Rising to 2,450 feet, Mount Chase offers near-360-degree views from its bald summit, including the Katahdin massif and the sweep of Katahdin Woods and Waters. The trail begins on an ATV path before climbing more steeply to the top. An abandoned fire warden’s cabin sits just below the summit.
Shin Brook Falls (1.5 miles round trip, easy–moderate)
This short hike leads to a series of waterfalls, the tallest dropping 30 feet. The main trail leads to an overlook above the first falls, with a steep scramble down to the base for those seeking a closer view.
Seboeis River Trail to Grand Pitch (2.2 miles round trip, easy)
Take a riverside walk through the Penobscot River Trails system to the dramatic Grand Pitch waterfall and gorge. Extend the hike to visit a warming hut further along the trail.
Mountain Bike and Gravel Bike Trails
Haskell Gate to Grand Pitch (9.2 miles round trip, easy–moderate)
Follow this gravel-road route through the north section of KWWNM, passing Stair Falls, Haskell Rock Pitch and Pond Pitch before reaching Grand Pitch. It’s suitable for mountain or gravel bikes, with warming huts along the way.
Penobscot River Trails (16 miles or shorter loops, easy–moderate)
A well-maintained private trail system south of KWWNM with hard-packed crushed stone surfaces, the loop follows the East Branch of the Penobscot River and passes warming huts and scenic cut-throughs for shorter rides. Bike rentals are available by donation.
Scenic Drives for Sightseeing
Katahdin Outlook
A roadside pull-off on Route 11 with a sweeping view of Katahdin, this vantage point is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Katahdin Loop Road
Travel this 45-mile circuit in the South Section of KWWNM with overlooks, short hikes and prime wildlife viewing along the way. Highlights include Lynx Pond, Katahdin Loop Scenic Overlook and the short walk to Wassataquoik Stream.
Historic Sites, Cultural Attractions and Museums
Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, Staceyville
Open Friday through Sunday (seasonally), the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station is an interpretive center that offers Indigenous perspectives on the land, with exhibits on the region’s past, present and future. Built to passive-house standards, the off-grid facility has a reduced carbon footprint.
Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Patten
At Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, explore Maine’s timber history through period buildings, historic tools and rare equipment like a steam-powered Lombard log hauler. Exhibits and films detail the logging era when Bangor was the world’s largest timber port.
Amish Farm Stands, multiple locations
In Sherman and surrounding towns, Amish families operate sawmills, leather workshops and farm stands selling produce, baked goods and handmade crafts. Seasonal roadside stands often feature quilts, candles and baskets.