[InitialLastName]

Ah, I didn't realize that had been nationalized (not technically a "National Park" though).

I've paddled through the "waters" bit a few times (geez, 20 years ago); lack of access would definitely help the overcrowding.

[ghaff]

Relatively recent. Basically a big land donation from the Burt's Bees co-founder finally helped made it happen. And, yeah, although the National Parks tend to be "better" (i.e. more compelling), the distinction is mostly a political one. (I see they allow hunting in certain areas which also probably helped move it over the finish line.) At least in the vaguely recent past, most properties become National Monuments before they become parks. Acadia was Lafayette National Monument before it became a national park.

I haven't been up there yet. Soon. But like a lot of Maine lands in that general area, it's probably more paddling/fishing oriented than hiking (at least if you're into summits). (Even a lot of Baxter other than Katahdin is like that.)