🌤 Weather at Katahdin Iron Works by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17–65 °F | 50–78 °F | 26–70 °F | 5–32 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Barnard, 13 mi away, elevation 545 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Industrial Ruins + Gulf Hagas — 1843 iron smelter ruins AND the “Grand Canyon of Maine” — Gulf Hagas, a 3-mile slate gorge!
Katahdin Iron Works preserves the 1843 iron smelter complex AND serves as the gateway to Gulf Hagas — the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” The iron works’ massive stone blast furnace and beehive charcoal kiln are among the best-preserved industrial ruins in New England. Gulf Hagas, a 3-mile slate gorge carved by the Pleasant River, features cascading waterfalls plunging through 100-foot cliffs. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, and the area is part of the 100-Mile Wilderness — the wildest section of the entire AT.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Brownville, Piscataquis County, ME |
| Entry Fee | Day-use fee ($4 ME / $6 non-res) |
| Ruins | 1843 blast furnace! |
| Gorge | Gulf Hagas — 3mi “Grand Canyon of Maine”! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Gulf Hagas hike?
The full Gulf Hagas loop is 8 miles and strenuous — rocky, rooty, and with river crossings. The reward: stunning slate gorge with waterfalls at every turn. Allow 5–6 hours. The Rim Trail offers the best views into the canyon.
What is Gulf Hagas?
Gulf Hagas is a 3-mile-long, 500-foot-deep slate gorge on the West Branch of the Pleasant River — called the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” Multiple waterfalls cascade through the narrow gorge, and the AT passes nearby. The hiking trail along the rim is challenging (8-mile loop) but spectacularly rewarding. The remoteness keeps crowds small — you may have the gorge to yourself.
More parks nearby: Peaks-Kenny State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Lily Bay State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🏭 Visit Katahdin Iron Works
1843 ruins + Grand Canyon of Maine — 3mi gorge with waterfalls!
About Katahdin Iron Works
Katahdin Iron Works is a state historic site preserving the ruins of a 19th-century iron smelting operation deep in the Maine woods. The site includes a massive stone blast furnace and charcoal kiln ruins — remnants of a once-thriving industrial complex that operated from 1843-1890. Today it’s the gateway to Gulf Hagas — the “Grand Canyon of Maine.”
Things to Do
Exploring the iron works ruins and blast furnace, hiking Gulf Hagas (a dramatic 3-mile slate gorge with waterfalls), camping at the adjacent campground, fishing for brook trout, and learning about Maine’s surprising industrial history in the wilderness.
Insider Tips
Industrial ruins: Katahdin Iron Works operated from 1843-1890 — a remote industrial operation that smelted iron ore in the Maine wilderness. Pro tip: The massive stone blast furnace and charcoal kiln ruins are among the most atmospheric industrial ruins in New England. Gulf Hagas: Nearby Gulf Hagas — the “Grand Canyon of Maine” — is a 3-mile slate gorge with waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Gulf Hagas hiking season. Fall: Gorge foliage — stunning. Spring: Waterfall peak flow. Winter: Accessible by snowmobile only.
Wildlife & Nature
Katahdin Iron Works — preserves the ruins of a 19th-century iron smelting operation (1843-1890) — once producing 2,000 tons of iron per year. The stone blast furnace and charcoal kiln remain. The area’s old-growth spruce-fir forest, Gulf Hagas gorge, and streams support moose, black bears, and brook trout. Gulf Hagas — the “Grand Canyon of Maine” — features slate walls, waterfalls, and pools along a 3-mile gorge.
Nearby Attractions
Brownville Junction — 10 miles south. Gulf Hagas — accessible from here. Baxter SP — 30 miles north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Katahdin Iron Works
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 4 feet, under the physical control of the handler
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on state park beaches April 1 through September 30; leashed pets are welcome on beaches October 1 through March 31
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- No pets allowed at Sebago Lake State Park campground; park staff may assign pet owners to less congested camping areas
Are dogs allowed at Katahdin Iron Works?
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via maine.gov. More: Maine state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Katahdin Iron Works
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Maine
from $851
from $75
from $110