Lunksoos Mountain Lean-to
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations required. No potable water available; bring your own or filter from natural sources. Campfires permitted only in the NPS-provided fire ring. Note: Pets are not allowed in or near lean-tos.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 5:27AM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid to upper 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only around 50 degrees on Moosehead Lake and in the middle to upper 50s on smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the Maine Warden Service, when the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 5:21AM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid to upper 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only around 50 degrees on Moosehead Lake and in the middle to upper 50s on smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the Maine Warden Service, when the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!
Katahdin Overlook Closure
The Katahdin Overlook is currently closed for construction. Visitors are not permitted in the overlook area due to construction hazards. It is still possible to access anything else on the loop road.
Impassable Bridge Near Big Spring Brook Hut
There is an impassable collapsed bridge near Big Spring Brook Hut located at the north section of the monument (46.0333633333, -68.7807583333). This area is impassable by foot traffic and bike.
Bridge Repairs and Closures
Seboeis River Bridge will be closed to traffic August 27-29 for repairs. This will impact travel into the Seboeis parcel via Charlie's Rd. A bridge over Ragged Brook will be closed September 2-4 for repairs and impact travel towards Philpott Bridge.
Increased Logging Activity on Swift Brook Road
Logging trucks and other large machinery will be active on Swift Brook Road for an undetermined amount of time. Please use caution when driving. Always pull over for logging trucks, and wait until dust has cleared to continue moving.
Hunting Season Begins August 23rd
Hunting season is upon us! Please stay alert and be mindful of the rights of lawful hunters. Hunting is permitted only East of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, but it is advised to wear high visibility clothing on all monument land.
About
Lunksoos Mountain Lean-to provides a true backcountry experience in the heart of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The three-sided shelter sits along the International Appalachian Trail, roughly half a mile from the summit of Lunksoos Mountain. From the peak, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of forests, rivers, and mountains including Katahdin itself. The geological significance of the area includes pillow lavas near the summit, formed by ancient underwater volcanic eruptions. Reaching the lean-to requires a challenging 6.3-mile hike from the Wassataquoik Gate trailhead, with 1,332 feet of elevation gain. The route includes a stream crossing at Wassataquoik Ford that may be difficult during high water. The monument's roads are gravel with ruts and potholes; a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended. As a designated site within an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Lunksoos Mountain Lean-to offers outstanding night sky viewing. The lean-to includes a firepit and picnic table. A vault toilet is available, but there is no potable water; visitors must bring their own supply or filter from natural sources. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent throughout the monument.
Directions
From Patten, Maine, take Route 159 south toward Shin Pond. Continue to the monument's Swift Brook Road entrance. Follow gravel roads to Wassataquoik Gate trailhead. From the trailhead, hike 6.3 miles on the International Appalachian Trail to reach the lean-to. The route includes a ford crossing at Wassataquoik Stream. A higher-clearance vehicle is recommended for monument roads.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (207) 456-6001 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!