Katahdin Woods and Waters - 1

On August 24, 2016, an announcement was made by US president Obama that will likely change northern Maine forever. A new national monument has been created called "Katahdin Woods and Waters." Tracts totaling 87,500 acres were donated to create a new park!

What makes this place so special? Is it easy to visit this wilderness? My parents live in a nearby town. We decided to check it out.

New NPS office in Millinocket

The NPS has set up an office with information about the fledgling park. It is located at 200 Penobscot Ave in Millinocket. We spoke to a pleasant and knowledgeable volunteer. She shared some valuable tips to help with our visit.

https://www.nps.gov/kaww/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Our Dakota truck was visible there in the window with my elderly parents inside. She assured me that we should do fine. She said that she had even seen two Priuses driving in the park, although they don't recommend low-profile vehicles at this time (fall, 2016).

The volunteer kindly marked a few things on a map. There is a bridge that looks sketchy. It is fine. There is only one set of picnic tables in the shade.

With our map, lunch, parents, and newfound information, we made our way north from Millinocket on route 11. It is worthy of its designation as a Maine Scenic Byway.

We overshot the left turn onto Swift River Road, as the sign is missing. The locals aren't exactly ecstatic about the new park. More about that later.

Swift River Road is a gravel road, which are common here, typical of northern Maine logging roads. A coyote crossed the road not far in front of us. It feels like wilderness, all right.

Our trip was on a major holiday, Labor Day. During our whole time in the park, a couple of hours, we saw maybe seven other vehicles. The proportion was about 50-50 of in-state versus out-of-state plates.

(To be continued...)