The County 2019-2020 Aroostook County Tourism | Page 31

STATE PARKS & PUBLIC LANDS LANDS OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE HERE ARE VAST. The extensive and varied parks, reserves, and public lands in The County let you leave no recreational stone unturned. As one of the easiest to reach in the region and Maine’s first state park, Aroostook State Park is an ideal starting point for discovering adventure in The County. The park’s accessible lakeside picnic area provides tables, charcoal grills, paddle boats, and a swimming area (no lifeguards). In the winter, the park offers excellent Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and, for hardy souls, winter camping. Best hikes include these trails: North Peak, Ridge, South Peak, and Quoggy Jo Mountain trail. Located between Presque Isle and Ashland, Scopan Public Reserved Land is 17,000 acres of rugged terrain that includes the 1,400-foot-high Scopan Mountain and 9.5 miles of shoreline on Scopan Lake. Explore low hills, a pond, wetlands, and several brooks for fishing. In winter, the snowmobile trails through the woods are quite popular. Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land is a 23,000-acre parcel that abuts Square Lake to the east with a thoroughfare connecting the two lakes. Trails for hiking and motorized sport trails make this an attractive destination for all. Round Pond Public Reserved Land takes its name from what is just a widening of the Allagash River. Paddlers, hikers, and hunters alike come to enjoy the views from the observation tower on top of Round Pond Mountain. The remote Deboullie Public Reserved Land comprises 22,000 acres of terrain ideal for all kinds of outdoor enjoyment, with access to 17 ponds for fishing (including the elusive Arctic char,) hiking trailsheads, vast views from the fire tower, old-growth forests, tumbling waterfalls, and ice caves in spots that stay cold all year long. Look for campsites, more trails, and boat access in the southeast. Fish from the larger ponds. While you’re still on the water, look for wildlife along the shore. When the snow f lies, backcountry snowmobilers can pass through on the primary public access road, traveling between Eagle Lake and the Allagash. Many black bear, loons, moose, and birds of prey also call the area home. Wetlands support rare northern bog lemmings, and upland forests offer shelter to Canada lynx. Visit our website for more information about parks and public lands in the region or call the Northern Public Lands Office at 207-435-7963. VisitAroostook.com VisitAroostook.com 29