Route: Katahdin Woods & Waters north to south (ME)

This north to south route on the International Appalachian Trail includes old logging roads and newer mountain trail sections. Access is via the Shin Pond / Grand Lake Road (Patten, ME). Starting at the Haskell Gate of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, it largely follows the valley of the East Branch of the Penobscot River as it flows south from Matagamon Lake. Short side trails lead to various and scenic waterfalls and a few campsites. Eventually it bares toward the southwest, tracking along hiking trails and climbs over Lunksoos and Deasey Mountains. This section requires keeping a careful eye out for the blur and white IAT markers, as the route crosses multiple old woods roads. It then drops down and fords the wide Wassataquoik Stream, before skirting around Barnard Mountain. This route includes the short side trip to the Barnard summit and back. It finally turns south and connects with the Monument Loop Road, about 15 miles from the paved Grindstone Road (Sherman, ME). There should be ample opportunities for water resupply on the route.