Wassataquoik Lean-to
Open for camping. Reservations available via Recreation.gov from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Unreserved dates are first-come, first-served. No potable water on site. Logging trucks are currently active on Swift Brook Road (the access route from the south entrance); use caution and pull over for trucks.
Heat Advisory issued July 3 at 1:53AM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 95 expected today. * WHERE...Northern Penobscot and Southeast Aroostook Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Air Quality Alert issued July 2 at 3:15PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until midnight EDT Sunday night. Particle pollution levels rose into the Unhealthy range earlier this afternoon and continue to be high. Smoke from fires in Quebec moved into Maine today. For the Northen region, people are advised to follow the health message if visibility is poor or they can smell smoke. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, older adults, those who work outdoors, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, and those with heart disease. It is okay to be active outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest, please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine residents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll free number is: 1-800-223-1196. Additionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has the air quality forecast available on the web at www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.
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.
About
Wassataquoik Lean-to offers a classic backcountry camping experience in Maine's Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This three-sided log shelter with a roof sits along the International Appalachian Trail near Wassataquoik Stream, providing a raised sleeping platform protected from the elements. The site is reached via a 0.9-mile hike from the Wassataquoik Gate or 1.4 miles from the Barnard Mountain Trailhead, with access to the Wassataquoik Gate via the south entrance on Swift Brook Road. The lean-to accommodates 1-6 people and includes a fire ring and wooden picnic table. An outhouse is located nearby. There is no potable water anywhere in the monument, so campers must bring their own water supply or be prepared to filter from natural sources. Campfires are permitted in the provided fire ring but require a valid Maine Forest Service campfire permit, which can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Maine Forest Service Northern Region Headquarters. This is a pack-it-out site with no trash service. There is no cell phone coverage at the site. Pets are not permitted in lean-tos. Firewood must be purchased locally within 10 miles of the monument; out-of-state firewood is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive insects.
Directions
Access the Wassataquoik Gate via the south entrance on Swift Brook Road. The lean-to is 0.9 miles from the Wassataquoik Gate or 1.4 miles from the Barnard Mountain Trailhead. Hike or bike required; no vehicle access to the site.
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
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