Stargaze at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

The Milky Way and 'shooting stars' at Lunksoos Picnic Area.

Gin Majka

As an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Katahdin Woods and Waters NM is an exceptional star gazing destination! “A sanctuary differs from a Dark Sky Park or Reserve in that it is typically situated in a very remote location with few (if any) nearby threats to the quality of its dark night skies and does not otherwise meet the requirements for designation as a park or reserve. The typical geographic isolation of Dark Sky Sanctuaries significantly limits opportunities for public outreach, so a Sanctuary designation is specifically designed to increase awareness of these fragile sites and promote their long-term conservation.”, learn more about dark skies with Dark Sky.org. Whether you come to see the Milky Way, learn to read the constellations, practice night sky photography, or simply enjoying the silence under the stars, enjoy stargazing in an International Dark Sky Sanctuary with some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi!

Darkness is a disappearing natural resource in many areas, but here at Katahdin Woods and Waters NM you can experience the night skies illuminated and even activated with ‘shooting stars’ when it turns dark. The monument continually works to preserve the dark nights and keep these opportunities available for all. 

Recommended Stargazing Areas

You can experience the spectacular dark skies from almost anywhere in this National Monument! Below are some suggested locations to experience the darkest areas for stargazing. The National Monument is a Dark Sky Sanctuary, so anywhere can be a good spot to see the stars (and even a chance to see the Aurora Borealis)! Remember to occasionally look up and enjoy the spectacular natural resource once it gets dark.  

Katahdin Loop Road Overlook

(45.84638592115686, -68.74707985605806)
Located just off the Loop Road, this overlook provides an excellent view of the night sky. Enter the National Monument via Swift Brook Road from Route 11. All roads in the National Monument are unpaved and high clearance vehicles are recommended. Please drive with caution and abide by the speed limits.

The clearest view will be looking west towards Katahdin. It is a spectacular sight to see the stars in the expansive skies over the mountain. There is level ground at this location to set up a telescope and picnic tables for seating.

Sandbank Stream Campsite

(45.86254, -68.67394)
Enter the National Monument via Swift Brook Road from Route 11. All roads in the National Monument are unpaved and high clearance vehicles are recommended. Please drive with caution and abide by the speed limits.

You can reserve a campsite at Sandbank Stream on recreation.gov to ensure you a site upon arrival.

Kimball Deadwater

(46.01417,-68.57056)
Enter the Seboeis Parcel of the National Monument via American Thread Road. There is space for 1 vehicle next to the trailhead sign, and more space for another vehicle across the road. It is a short walk from the Kimball Deadwater sign to the viewpoint.

Haskell Hut & Haskell Campsite

(46.07960, -68.77010)
Enter the National Monument via Grand Lake Road onto New River Road through the North Entrance. Park at the Haskell Gate parking area. Visitors can get to Haskell Hut and Haskell Campsite by foot or bike, and by snowshoe or skis when snow begins to accumulate. Haskell Hut is only opened and reservable during the winter season, but the campsite is open all season.

Big Spring Brook Hut

(46.03417, -68.77424)
Enter the National Monument via Grand Lake Road onto New River Road through the North Entrance. Park at the Haskell Gate parking area. Visitors can get to Big Spring Brook Hut by foot or bike, and by snowshoe or skis when snow begins to accumulate. Big Spring Brook Hut is only open and reservable during the winter season.

Tips and Considerations

• Bring a red headlamp or flashlight so that you can safely walk about without hurting your night vision. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to darkness.

• Check the local weather. Clouds can block your view and make for poor stargazing.

• Check the moon. For the clearest stargazing experience, visit during a new moon for darkest skies. It will be helpful to know the times of moonrise and moonset before your visit.

• While stargazing can be done year-round, Summer is considered the best time to view the Milky Way. 

• Be aware that wildlife are often active at night. Be cautious and alert.

• Bring a planisphere or a constellation app to assist in your stargazing experience. There are different visible constellations for summer and for winter months.

Details

Activity

Stargazing

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Katahdin Loop Road Overlook

Enjoy stargazing in an International Dark Sky Sanctuary with some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi! The Overlook is only a suggestion for a recommended spot, look up in any area of the National Monument to enjoy the night sky and stars.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

Specific accessibility information at the Katahdin Overlook

This location is accessible by vehicle. The parking area is a flat, gravel area that abuts the Overlook Viewing area. The viewing area is grassy and contains accessible picnic tables. Extra caution is required after dark and headlamps are highly recommended. The restroom at this location does not meet accessibility standards due to a step to enter it. Call a ranger for more information.