Katahdin Woods and Waters - 2

Mount Katahdin, highest point in Maine and north end of the Appalachian Trail

We left Millinocket for the new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument at about 11AM on Labor Day. We hoped for an al fresco lunch in the park. We weren't disappointed. 

At 12:30 PM, we entered the 18-mile Katahdin Loop Road. At 6.7 miles in, we stopped at a fabulous panoramic overlook. A small group left as we pulled in. After that, we had this special spot completely to ourselves. 

Spectacular lunch spot

My mother said that it was the most spectacular lunch spot she had ever been to. Two basic wooden displays outline the visible mountains and other major features. Besides three picnic tables, there is a clean vault toilet.

The overlook faces west toward Mount Katahdin. It's the tallest mountain in Maine, as well as the northern terminus to the Appalachian Trail. 

I imagine that it would be interesting to watch storms coming in from the west with such a prospect. However, today was sunny without a cloud in the sky.

We wended our way around the loop. There were some other nice views, but nothing that topped the prospect of where we ate lunch. 

This park is intended to be much more than a loop road experience, however. There are hiking trails galore, canoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding and lots more. Check the official park sources for more information. 

Sketchy bridge

As we approached the sketchy bridge on the return via Swift River Road, there was a Jeep blocking the other end. Pausing to decide if crossing the bridge was really a wise idea, they pulled aside to allow us to cross the one-lane affair. We stopped and gave them the assurance we had received from the park volunteer as to its safety.

The folks from Elliotsville Plantation have done an admirable job of making their gift of a new National Monument hit the ground running, so to speak. The roads, although basic, were very doable. The vault toilets were clean and stocked. There was signage. Yes, they are working on a few projects, but that is to be expected for a park that was less than two weeks old! (Here is the website of Friends of Woods and Waters.)

We flushed a spruce grouse as we made our exit. Rarer than their cousin the ruffed grouse, they are protected from hunting. 

We pulled in at Whetstone Falls. I got out to view the East Branch of the Penobscot River, which is a dividing line of sorts for some park activities like hunting. 

(One more installment to follow.)