Parking and Reservations
Day Use Parking Reservations (DUPR)
available for Katahdin Trailheads
after April 1
Beginning with the 2010 season, you can make a Day Use Parking Reservation (DUPR) for Katahdin trailheads located at Roaring Brook, Abol or Katahdin Stream. This system continues to protect Katahdin trails and the fragile alpine habitat by maintaining parking capacities at each trailhead parking area while removing the uncertainty of acquiring access to a desired trail.
Parking lot capacities at Katahdin Trailheads:
(Note: Park Rules limit vehicle size and generally prohibit motorcycle access on Park roads)
Togue Pond Gate hours: Generally 6am to 10pm (except the gate opens at 5am from late June through Labor Day)
- Roaring Brook
- 35 parking spaces - trails accessed are Helon Taylor Trail, Chimney Pond Trail, Saddle Trail, Cathedral Trail, Dudley Trail, Knife Edge and Hamlin Ridge Trail, S. Turner Mtn.
- Abol
- 16 parking spaces - trail accessed is Abol Slide
- Katahdin Stream
- 25 parking spaces - trails accessed are the Hunt trail (or A.T.) and the Owl.
Here's how the system works:
- Maine residents can make a DUPR for any time in the summer season as of April 1
(must have a Maine driver's license and registration). - Non-residents can make a DUPR 2 weeks or less prior to the date of their intended hike.
- A maximum of 3 DUPRs per month can be made by residents and non-residents.
- A fee of $5.00 will be assessed to cover the cost of administering the DUPR system due to expected volume of annual reservations.
Check the current status of DUPR and make a reservation on line.
DUPR calls will be accepted until 3:00pm on the day before you wish to hike Katahdin.
After 3:00 pm, daily updates will be available on the Park's Hiker Information Line - (207) 723-INFO(4636) and this website regarding the number of spaces reserved and unreserved at each Katahdin trailhead for the next day.
Unreserved parking spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis as soon as the Togue Gate opens.
DUPR spots are held until 7:00am on the day of your reservation, after which any unfilled DUPRs or remaining space will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Day Use Parking Reservation (DUPR) system is meant to assist Park visitors who wish to hike Katahdin by providing the assurance of access to the trailhead. The system is still evolving and we continue to work out the kinks, therefore please check this website or call the hiker information line - (207) 723-INFO(4636), for information on how to secure your Day Use Parking Reservation. Except for Katahdin access parking lots under the DUPR system, all other parking lots are first come first serve.
Day Use Vehicle Limits
Day use has been limited to the parking lot capacity at each campground, trailhead and picnic area in the park. This is not to preserve the parking areas, but to minimize impacts of overuse on the trails. Once a parking lot is filled to capacity, that trailhead is considered full and visitors should choose an alternative hike or activity in the Park. Please do not drop off hikers or park along the road and walk back to trailheads that are already full. Many times, the “secondary” choice becomes a favorite, as these less used trails provide more opportunities for solitude and wilderness, away from crowded areas. The Park has never filled all of the parking lots at once and, around smaller trailheads, spots will open up throughout the day as visitors hike shorter trails or picnic for a few hours and continue on. During our busy times (July, August and fall weekends) Katahdin trailheads can fill for the day early in the morning, but there is always an alternative mountain trail or pond waiting for you to explore just up the road. Park use has eased up in the last few years and, on most days, visitors will find many open trailheads.
Parking Lot Capacities
| Day Use/Trailhead Parking Lot | Capacities # Cars Allowed | % of Days Filled in 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Roaring Brook | 35 | 42% |
| Abol | 16 | 15% |
| Katahdin Stream | 25 | 17% |
| Kidney Pond | 18 | 2% |
| Slide Dam/ Marston | 8 | 1% |
| Burnt Mtn | 3 | 0% |
| Trout Brook Farm | 12 | 1% |
| Daicey Pond | 12 | 16% |
| Ledge Falls | 12 | 3% |
| Nesowadnehunk Field | 8 | 0% |
| Nesowadnehunk Picnic area | 30 | 0% |
| South Branch Pond | 24 | 2% |
| Togue Pond Beach | 24 | 0% |
| Abol Beach | 12 | 0% |
| OJI Trailhead | 6 | 0% |
| Grassy Pond | 5 | 0% |
| Wadleigh Brk Trail | 4 | 0% |
| Horse Mtn | 2 | 0% |
| Rum Pond Trailhead(Rum Picnic Area) | 2 | 0% |
| Dwelley Pond North | 5 | 0% |
| Dwelley Pond South | 3 | 0% |
| Fowler Pond | 4 | 0% |
| Kettle Pond Trailheads | ||
| Tote Road | 2 | 0% |
| Caverly/Rocky Pond | 2 | 0% |