Changing Seasons And New Adventures
by Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce
Just the other day we were all wearing mittens , hats , heavy coats , snow boots and rushing from building to car , Today we are wearing sweaters and sunglasses and enjoying the fresh air , while strolling from one place to another looking for any excuse to get outdoors .
This is late winter / spring in Aroostook County . It could be a late January thaw , but it is more likely a sample of the beautiful weather that will be with us consistently in a few weeks .
Yes , we still have snow on the ground in March , but what a great time to go snowmobiling ( sledding ) along our over 2,300 miles of trails , cross-country skiing , snowshoeing , tubing , alpine skiing , driving or just sitting in your window looking out at the pristine fields covered with snow .
Aroostook County does have four seasons . Spring comes slowly and in most places gently . We have warm sun to heat up road surfaces and protected areas , cool evenings and lots of signs of new life . Maple syrup starts to run and pussy willows start budding . Spring is prime aurora viewing time , and the Maine Office of Tourism has included scanning Aroostook County ’ s nighttime skies for these cosmic lights shows among its travel opportunities in Maine .
Spring gives way to a beautiful summer with warm days , typically low humidity , cool nights and big skies with lots of starlight . You can enjoy all manner of outdoor activities or relax and soak up some much-needed Vitamin D while enjoying the many parades and festivals that are being hosted . Every weekend seems to offer an assortment of activities .
Of course , summer is the time to come visit and explore our many miles of ATV trails . This is the only way you can get to some of our hidden gems . Nestled deep in the Maine Woods near the northwest end of Chamberlain Lake , you can find the rusting hulks of two large steam-powered locomotives . The trains are remnants of the industrial revolution in an area so remote that it was more practical to park the engines when operations ended than it was to bring them out of the woods . You will be able to find waterfalls that even the locals don ’ t know about . The 3.5 mile Scopan Mountain hiking trail loop is located in the Scopan Unit , T11R4 . Some of the trail experiences include a seasonal waterfall , views of Mt . Katahdin , views of Alder Lake and the surrounding farm country , a wetland frequented by moose and waterfowl , managed multiple-use forests and several old-growth hemlock stands .
What an opportunity for a photographer or painter to find images that are new and exciting . If you like to keep images in your mind , there are sure to be some here you will never forget .
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