Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 6 : Fall 2010 | Page 42

Aroostook State Park:

Four Seasons of Fun and Adventure
by Scott Thompson

For 75 years, Maine State Parks have been providing
residents and visitors, of this great state, a wonderful
opportunity to recreate and relax in the vast unspoiled
beauty of our parks. This includes the Gem of the North,
Maine’s First, Aroostook State Park.

In 1938 the Presque Isle Merchants Association
donated 100 acres of land to the Maine State Parks
Commission, which was turned into a park one year later.
Since that time the park has expanded to just over 800 acres,
thus continuing to provide an excellent natural area for
outdoor recreational activities. Even though the activities
and facility have changed over the years, the overall belief in
strong, healthy community and families has not. The Park’s
future will continue to flourish as long as we do not forget
the rich history which created it, our community.

The four seasons of activities provide fun and
enjoyment for everyone of all ages. The cool fall air brings
excitement, knowing that the explosive colors of the trees
will soon bring hikers up the rugged but rewarding three
mile hiking trail. At the top, hikers will gaze at brilliant
spectacular views. In recent years, fall activities have included
Fall Foliage Hikes and a Haunted Woods Walk. The fall
season also means hunting in The County. Hunters will
find the campground open throughout October, making
it an ideal place to camp while hunting for moose, bear,
waterfowl and upland birds. Great hunting areas are only
minutes away from the Park gate.

Winter offers picturesque, well maintained trails
for classical cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The
groomed 15-mile ski trail system offers a wide variety of
skiing for all skill levels. Grooved, double-set track weave
through distinctive Aroostook County forest and farm land
areas, allowing visitors a chance to explore all the Park’s
40 Aroostook State Park FALL 2010

winter beauty. The packed five mile snowshoe trail offers
a vigorous trek to the top of Quaggy Jo Mountain. The
trail system has two warming huts, allowing the users a
chance to rest and meet new friends next to the fire. For
those young at heart, use the plastic sleds provided or bring
your own, a sliding hill near the Park entrance is packed
and ready for a quick run down memory lane. There is an
ice skating rink on the lake; it is generally open conditions
permitting. Winter camping is growing in popularity, as
is the Winter Fun Day event. The Winter Fun Day, every
February, has been designed to promote good, healthy,
outdoor winter time activities that family and friends could
enjoy together.

Spring at Aroostook