Katahdin Woods and Waters

Katahdin Woods and Waters Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Maine National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Pond Pitch The East Branch of the Penobscot River drops over 200 feet in 10 miles, forming waterfalls (pitches). NPS / BETSY EHRLICH kíwənike River otters We cannot live without water. We are connected to the environment, whether it’s the woods or the water. … If we don’t take care of the woods and the water, then it won’t take care of us. MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © MARK PICARD αmαkeso Atlantis fritillary © ADOBE STOCK —Jason Mitchell, Water Resources Field Coordinator, Penobscot Nation Water—sometimes turbulent, sometimes still—winds its way through the forested landscape of northern Maine. The Penobscot relationship with the land and waterways goes back over 11,000 years. The culture and traditions of the Penobscot, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Passamaquoddy Nations (collectively, Wabanaki) are forever linked to this sacred area. Wabanaki respect and care for the lands and waters that sustain and enrich life. In 2016 the creation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which lies within the Penobscot Nation homeland, further protected this dynamic landscape. You, too, can be part of the stewardship legacy. PATTEN LUMBERMEN'S MUSEUM / © FANNIE HARDY ECKSTORM Exploring Katahdin Woods and Waters offers a wild, remote experience unlike other units of the National Park System on the East Coast. Here you can spot moose and lynx, paddle the crystal waters of nationally significant rivers and streams, gaze at the star-studded night sky, discover logging traditions, or hike a trail connected through geology to faraway lands. Today logging continues outside the park, supporting jobs essential to the area’s economy. Logging companies use mechanical equipment to selectively harvest and transport timber, making the process safer and more efficient. You may encounter timberharvesting activities and logging trucks on roads in the park (see safe-driving tips on other side). READING THE LANDSCAPE Fossil brachiopods found in the park NPS / VINCE SANTUCCI Volcanoes and vast oceans also left their mark. Volcanic and sedimentary stones in the distinctive Haskell Rock conglomerate show the transition from volcanic islands to seas. Glaciers transformed the landscape when they retreated about 15,000 years ago. Eskers (winding ridges of sand and gravel) and glacial erratics are the evidence left behind. The geologic story of the park is still being written as scientists continue to study and learn. What discoveries lie ahead? kəčəkikílahso Boreal chickadee kəskəsékʷehso Canada jay © GERRY BEYERSBERGEN MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © MARK PICARD WOODS MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © ANITA MUELLER tòləpe Wood turtle WIKIMEDIA / PAUL KISAK Black Ash Some Wabanaki creation stories tell how the first people were made when Gluskabe the transformer shot an ash tree with an arrow, freeing the spirits inside. For hundreds of years, Wabanaki have made functional and decorative baskets from ash trees. The invasive emerald ash borer threatens this tradition central to their culture and livelihood. WATERS matekəníhlehso Northern long-eared bat © SHERRI AND BROCK FENTON The park sits in a diverse transition zone where northern boreal and southern broadleaf deciduous forests overlap. Logging contributed to this diversity and left patchwork stands of differently aged trees. Plants and animals find important habitat and movement corridors in the park and surrounding conservation lands. Most plants are native to the area, which has few invasive species. Threatened animals like northern long-eared bat and Canada lynx make their homes alongside moose, black bear, and grouse. áwehsohs Black bear Animal, plant, and some place names are included in the Penobscot language. How will this special place speak to you? Timbering Logging has been part of this landscape since the early 1800s. In the winter, loggers, many of them Wabanaki, harvested white pines with axes and handsaws. After spring thaws, river drivers worked dangerous log drives. They moved millions of feet of logs downstream to lumber mills and, later, paper mills. The East Branch of the Penobscot River saw its last log drive in 1971. Traveling along the East Branch of the Penobscot River is like a trip through time. Its stairstepped pitches and riverside boulders represent different millennia in Earth’s history. The oldest rocks, near Grand Pitch, are over 500 million years old. Fossils found here match ones across the Atlantic Ocean. This discovery links remnants of the ancestral Appalachian-Caledonian Mountains and demonstrates plate tectonics. From its start in the park, the International Appalachian Trail follows this ancient mountain range into Canada and resumes across the Atlantic. Penobscot Homeland The present and traditional homeland of the Penobscot Nation encompasses the Penobscot River watershed, stretching from the Maine coast to north of the park. The Penobscot belong to this land. They share their intimate knowledge by continuing a long tradition of guiding visitors who seek inspiration and adventure. MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © ANITA MUELLER ADOBE STOCK / JILLIAN mos Moose MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © MARK PICARD MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © MARK PICARD USFWS / TIMOTHY KNEPP Rivers and streams provide critical habitat for brook trout and federally endangered Atlantic salmon, a culturally important species to the Penobscot and other Wabanaki Nations. These sea-run fish migrate between fresh water and salt water. The Atlantic Salmon Recovery Plan seeks to reestablish Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish in eastern waters, including the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its associated watershed. The plan is a partnership effort among federal, state, Tribal, and other entities. kči-pə so Canada lynx mačíhlehso mačíhlehso Ruffed grouse Spruce grouse skʷàmekʷ Atlantic salmon ess Tidewater mucket USFWS / MATTHEW PATTERSON áčoləsk Wood frog © TERRY HIBBITTS ačèssahtəkʷe Dragonfly © MATT BERG tə mahkʷe Beaver © ERIC HAAS Since 2002 infestations have killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in over 35 states, including Maine. Treatment isn’t possible. The best strategy is prevention, keeping them out of uninfected areas. You can help—leave your firewood at home. apásənote Ash basket wahsehtrj East Branch of the Penobscot River HM9577, LEO AND FLORENCE SHAY COLLECTION, HUDSON MUSEUM, UNIVERSITY OF MAINE © MARK PICARD wíkəpi Black ash leaves © MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS Gabriel Frey, twelfth-generation Passamaquoddy basket maker © GRETA RYBUS Emerald ash borer ADOBE STOCK Enjoy the Woods and Waters Dark night skies like these over the East Branch of the Penobscot appear over most of the park. QT LUONG / TERRA GALLERIA The Penobscot River is the first relative on our census, it’s the first citizen of the Penobscot Nation. Because when you ask me who I am, where I come from, I answer with one word: Penobscot. That’s who I am, that’s who the river is, that’s who the land is, and we are all one. All of us. —Sherri Mitchell, Penobscot View the stars above this International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the first in New England, and realize you’re seeing the same scene as people for thousands of years. Wabanaki, Penobscot guide Joe Polis who led Henry David Thoreau and other travelers, loggers, recreation enthusiasts, and others have connected to this area in their own way, all under that same sky that both brings us together and reminds us how small we are. Today you, too, can choose how to experience this special place. Pick a season, an activity, a place. Explore these lands and waters and make the experience your own. Northern Section Take ME 159 from Patten. The northern section offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Hike or bike to Stair Falls, Haskell Rock Pitch, Grand Pitch, and other scenic waterfalls. Some areas are dangerous for inexperienced paddlers. Use a river map and know where the portages are. Southern Section From ME 11 in Sherman, take Swift Brook Road to reach the unpaved 17-mile Katahdin Loop Road. Go slowly and watch for logging trucks. Allow at least 1½ hours to drive the entire loop. Reach hikes like Orin Falls and Barnard Mountain more quickly by traveling counterclockwise from the start of the road. Scenic Byway Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway winds 89 miles through the Katahdin region. www.katahdinwoods andwaters.com. Hiking Hikes are available for all levels. Check the park website or use the NPS App. International Appalachian Trail (IAT) The IAT connects significant geological elements across continents. From its start at the Barnard Mountain Trailhead, the IAT travels 30 miles in the park. It continues north to Canada, with sections in Europe and North Africa. www.maineiat.org Biking Bicycles and Class 1 electric bicycles are allowed on public and gated administrative roads and in parking areas open to motor vehicles. Paddling Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities. SOUTHERN SEC TION Hunting Hunting is permitted on park lands east of the East Branch of the Penobscot River (see maps ). A Maine state hunting license is required. Fishing The East Branch of the Penobscot River and surrounding tributaries offer excellent fishing. A Maine state fishing license is required. Camping Camping is permitted only in designated campsites. Reserve at www. recreation.gov. Winter Explore the park on snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles. About 15 miles of trails in the northern section are groomed for cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is allowed on up to 20 miles of trails (varies annually) but not on the loop road or most roads and trails west of the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Local snowmobile clubs groom trails, which are part of a larger trail network in Maine. Pick up a map at local businesses. Maine registration is required. Traditional birchbark canoes connect Wabanaki culture across generations. COURTESY PENOBSCOT MARINE MUSEUM / © WAYNE HAMILTON Safety Logging trucks always have the right of way (see safedriving tips below for important precautions ). Regulations Federal laws protect all natural and cultural features in the park. • Untreated firewood from out of state is banned. Buy firewood locally. • For firearms regulations check the park website. • Dogs are allowed on trails but not in shelters and must be leashed. • Using remotely piloted aircraft like drones is prohibited. NO RTHERN SEC TION Contact Stations Check the park website for directions and hours. information go to a contact station, ask a ranger, call, or check the park website. Accessibility We strive to make facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For Explore More Use the official NPS App to guide your visit. Select “save this park” to use offline. EMERGENCIES CALL 911 Cell service is limited. Signs mark the International Appalachian Trail, popular for hiking— and biking, where allowed. MORE INFORMATION Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument PO Box 446 Patten, ME 04765 207-456-6001 www.nps.gov/kaww Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is one of over 400 parks in the National npf_black.pdf 1 Park System. Learn more at8/26/22 www.nps.gov. Join the park community. www.nationalparks.org IGPO:2023—423-201/83183 New in 2023 SIGN—© BILLY MCCRORIE; BICYCLIST—© DAVEY AND SKY MEDIA Loop Road Highlights Mileage is clockwise from the Katahdin Loop Road gate. Esker Trail (mile 0): 0.4-mile trail showing glacial remnants Deasey Ponds Trail (mile 0.5): 0.6-mile trail to this boreal forest-lined pond Lynx Pond Viewing Area (mile 2.2): Wheelchairaccessible trail and viewing platform Katahdin Loop Road Overlook (mile 6.4): Picnic area with expansive views of Millinocket Lake and Katahdin Barnard Mountain Trailhead (mile 12.0): Start of the International Appalachian Trail and 4½-mile roundtrip hike to Barnard Mountain Wassataquoik Stream Road (mile 15.5): 2½-mile road to the trailhead for a 6-mile roundtrip hike to Orin Falls on Wassataquoik Stream and a 10-mile roundtrip hike to 1,942-foot Deasey Mountain and Fire Lookout Safe-Driving Tips Many roads are unpaved (see maps ). Drive slowly and carefully. Be alert. Logging trucks always have the right of way. Keep your headlights on. Never stop on corners or bridges. Park well off the road. MOOSE PRINTS GALLERY / © MARK PICARD 12:3