Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway | American Tour Association

THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway offers world-class outdoor recreational opportunities amidst spectacular scenery. Visitors of all experience levels can enjoy camping, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, fishing, snowmobiling, nordic skiing, and epic wildlife watching. Byway travelers have exceptional access to these places through both public lands and Maine’s traditional public access over private lands. In addition to the byway’s recreational resources, travelers can learn about how these natural attractions are nationally significant by tracing Henry David Thoreau’s footsteps, enjoying vistas painted by famous artists, or discovering the wildness that inspired Roosevelt.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway

Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway

Kayakers and paddleboarders on the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Katahdin, Maine’s highest mountain, in background. Maine — F2a-Kayakers on West Branch of the Penobscot River
Public Domain. Russel Walters · Photo credits

Campers cooking over a campfire. Tent visible on the site on a bluff overlooking the East Branch of the Penobscot River, Maine — F4b-East Branch Campers
Public Domain. Dave Conley/Canoe the Wild · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.