Katahdin Woods and Watersfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 83% chanceThis Afternoon, Tonight
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 5:30 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument through the year
- Entrances and Loop Road open to carsNowMay–Oct
- Best fall foliageNowSep–Oct
- Winter conditionsOct–Apr
Best spots around Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
- Barnard MountainHike to the top for a wide fall view
- Orin FallsFall colors over a river landscape
- Messer PondFoliage all around a pond
- American Thread RoadA drive through the Seboeis Unit lined with color, with glimpses of Katahdin
- Lunksoos Picnic Area and boat launchDrive-up view of the water and trees; put in here to paddle the East Branch Penobscot River (bring your own boat)
Around Maine this week
- Aroostook State Park51 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Lily Bay State Park52 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Aroostook Refuge72 mi · usually Oct 1–10Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across New England, red maple is ahead of a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters fall colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters stargazing (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters winter activities (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in 2026?
The National Park Service says to plan a trip from September to mid-October for the best foliage: Sep 1–Oct 15. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Is there hunting at Katahdin Woods and Waters in the fall?
Yes, in some areas of the monument during peak foliage. The park recommends wearing orange on monument land in hunting season. Maine allows no hunting on Sundays.Source: National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Do I need a reservation or a pass?
No. Admission is free and day trips need no reservation; the park strongly recommends reserving campsites. It has no boats to rent.Source: National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the roads open in the fall?
The north and south entrances and the Katahdin Loop Road are usually open to vehicles from late May to late October. From mid-November to late May they are closed to wheeled vehicles; high winds and heavy rain can also close roads.Sources: National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is it a good place to see stars?
Yes. The monument was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020.Source: National Park Service, Katahdin Woods and Waters stargazing ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument?
Barnard Mountain: hike to the top for a wide fall view; Orin Falls: fall colors over a river landscape; Messer Pond: foliage all around a pond; American Thread Road: a drive through the Seboeis Unit lined with color, with glimpses of Katahdin; Lunksoos Picnic Area and boat launch: drive-up view of the water and trees; put in here to paddle the East Branch Penobscot River (bring your own boat).
What is Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument like through the year?
Entrances and Loop Road open to cars (May–Oct), Best fall foliage (Sep–Oct) and Winter conditions (Oct–Apr).