Aroostook State Park

Maine's first and northernmost state park is located four miles south of Presque Isle, Aroostook County's largest city, and west of U.S. Route 1, the county's major artery.

The 800-acre park supports four seasons of activities. In summer, 90-acre Echo Lake offers a grass beach (swimming is at your own risk) and fishing for stocked brook trout. The park is equipped with a boat launch. Canoes and paddleboats are available to rent.

The park's 29 campsites, including a wheelchair-accessible site, are at the foot of 1,213-foot Quaggy Jo Mountain, one of the park's major attractions. Dense woods provide privacy; water, hot showers and toilets are available. The park also has three remote, hike-in tent platforms. A kitchen shelter with electricity, water, tables and a wood-fired kitchen cookstove is available. Camping fees are $12 per night for Maine residents and $15 for non-residents.

Two trails ascend Quaggy Jo, the moderately-difficult 1.25-mile North Peak Trail and the South Peak Trail, shorter than a mile but rocky and steep. A third trail offers an easy hike between the two peaks, and a fourth loops through the park. From the north peak, Katahdin stands like a distant island in a sea of trees.

Other hiking opportunities include Haystack Mountain, 12 miles from the park, where the state holds a conservation easement. It's an easy climb with rewarding views.

Cross-country skiers enjoy 15 miles of groomed trails with a set track, some on private lands adjacent to the state park. A ski shack equipped with a woodstove, which is on private land, is open during ski season. Snowshoers of all levels enjoy five miles of trails.

The Interconnected Trail System (I.T.S. #83) for snowmobilers passes through the park.

About one mile from the park is the site where the late Maxie Anderson and two others took off in 1978 to make the first successful transatlantic balloon flight. The site is marked with a replica of Anderson's "Double Eagle II."