Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Maine, which offers visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking natural beauty and a range of exciting outdoor activities.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Some great reasons to visit the park include its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and excellent recreational opportunities, which include hiking, fishing, camping, and more.

One of the main points of interest in the park is Mattawamkeag Lake, which is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including brook trout, salmon, and bass, making it a fantastic spot for anglers of all skill levels. Another notable feature of the park is the Mattawamkeag River, which is a great place for kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities.

Other interesting areas within the park include the Little Mattawamkeag River and the nearby Katahdin Iron Works State Historic Site. The latter is a fascinating attraction that allows visitors to learn about the area's rich history of iron mining and production.

Visitors to the park can also expect to encounter a range of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and a variety of bird species. The best time of year to visit the park depends on what activities you are interested in. Summer is a popular time to visit for fishing and swimming, while autumn offers stunning views of the changing leaves. Winter visitors can enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Maine and participate in a range of exciting outdoor activities.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References