Get Away From It All On This Brand New Scenic Byway In Maine
By Michelle|Published February 07, 2017
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
The Maine Woods and Waters National Monument has been the source of significant conversation throughout Maine. Love it or hate it, we feel it’s important to bring you all the information we can about beautiful Vacationland. A few months ago we gave you some background information on the National Monument, which included some fun things to do while visiting. We’re always telling our readers that the journey can be even better than the destination, which is why we want you to know all about the Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway!
Maine's newest National Monument is located in Millinocket and promises to be the most beautiful.
Katahdin Woods and Waters is actually the second national monument to be created in Maine. The first was the monument that came just before the creation of Acadia National Park. It is located east of Baxter State Park, about 200 miles north of Portland.
But it's the scenic byway that really prepares you for the beauty that is the monument.
Shin falls is accessible via a slightly less than 1 mile hike. It should take about 20 minutes, but you should only do it if you've hiked before. Once there, you'll enjoy two separate falls.
There are also LOTS of opportunities for some quality moose spotting!
Other popular attractions include Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Grindstone Falls, Debsconeag Ice Caves, Ambejejus Boomhouse Museum and the West Brands of the Penobscot River.
Continuing along Route 11 will take you along the Penobscot River to Patten.
If you're coming from the south, you'll take Route 11 to Swift Brook Road and enter the southern area of the park. Then, you can drive the scenic loop road. If you're coming from the north, follow Route 159 to Grand Lake Road to access the northern section of the park.
While we love the Byway, it really doesn't matter HOW to get there.
