Maine / Penobscot County / T5 R8 WELS / Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Grand Pitch Lean-to

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping. Roads within the monument are typically closed to motorized vehicles from mid-November through late May, with access by foot, ski, or snowshoe only during winter months. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Grand Pitch Lean-to is a backcountry shelter located in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument along the East Branch Penobscot River. The lean-to is positioned near Grand Pitch, part of a dramatic series of waterfalls and rapids where the river drops over 200 feet in its first 10 miles through the monument. Access requires hiking or biking 3.6 miles south from Haskell Gate along the International Appalachian Trail, or paddling the East Branch of the Penobscot River. The shelter provides basic amenities including a picnic table, fire pit, and vault toilet, but no water source is available on site. This is true backcountry camping where visitors must be self-sufficient and follow Leave No Trace principles. All odorous items must be stored in bear-resistant canisters as no bear boxes are provided at this location. Campfires require a free permit from the Maine Forest Service, and out-of-state firewood is prohibited to protect against invasive species. The monument's roads are typically closed to motorized vehicles from mid-November through late May, making winter access possible only by foot, ski, or snowshoe. During the snow-free season, the area provides exceptional opportunities for paddlers, hikers, and backcountry enthusiasts seeking solitude in Maine's north woods. The monument is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Directions

Located 3.6 miles south of Haskell Gate along the International Appalachian Trail. From the North Entrance, drive to Haskell Gate parking area, then hike south on the International Appalachian Trail. Alternatively, access by paddling the East Branch of the Penobscot River. No vehicle access to the lean-to itself.

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