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Log inIsn't it time you visited The County?
Isn't it time you visited The County?
by Outspoken on Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:30 am
Isn't it time you visited The County?
By CAREY KISH
Portland Press Herald
It's a long way to Aroostook County, Maine's largest and the biggest county east of the Mississippi River, for many of us, but it's worth the trip for the beautiful fields, forests and farms; the abundant wildlife; and the friendly, hospitable people that you'll find here. If you haven't made the trip north to "The County"-- and I know many who haven't -- you're really missing out on a special part of Maine.
When you visit Aroostook County, one of the must-see natural gems is Aroostook State Park, located just off of Route 1 five miles south of Presque Isle. The park holds the distinction of being Maine's first state park, created in 1938 with the donation of 100 acres of land from the citizens of Presque Isle. Subsequent land donations have increased the size of the park to about 800 acres, encompassing the twin peaks of Quaggy Jo Mountain and shore frontage on Echo Lake.
"We're right here in the heart of Aroostook County," said County native Scott Thompson, a park ranger, acting park manager and 17-year veteran of Maine's state park system. "Stay here and you can set out and really explore the North Maine Woods."
I visited the park earlier this summer and spent time hiking the mountain trails, strolling along the lakeshore and camping out at a quiet tent site tucked into the trees. It's an enjoyable place to while away some quality time and a good staging point for exploring the many and varied attractions in the region.
"The park is great for recreating, picnicking, swimming, hiking, birding and boating," Thompson said. "And the habitat is perfect for brook trout fishing."
It's semi-wilderness here, as Thompson describes it, far enough away from it all yet still close to the amenities of civilization, a nice combination.
The park sports 30 wooded campsites that can accommodate either tents or camping trailers, each with a picnic table and fire pit. Privies and water faucets are convenient to the sites. Hot showers and a kitchen pavilion with lights and running water are located on the camp road as you drive in, next door to the campground host. There's even a small playground to keep the kids busy.
Two tent platforms high on Quaggy Jo Mountain allow for primitive backcountry camping (no fires, no water). On the back side of the mountain there is an Adirondack shelter in an old farm field, a remote and rustic setting available to large camping groups. Future plans call for building two or three more backcountry tent platforms and another log shelter for four to six people.
On the grassy shore of Echo Lake, visitors will find tables and grills ready for picnicking, and there's a designated swimming area with changing facilities. Boaters and fishermen can take to the water from the dock and launch area. Canoes and paddleboats can be rented, complete with life jackets and paddles. The day-use area is handicapped accessible.
Three miles of hiking trails strike off from the campground and lead walkers up and over Quaggy Jo Mountain, known also by its Indian name, "QuaQuaJo," and translated to mean "twin-peaked." Tackle the South Peak, North Peak and Ridge trails individually or combine all three for a sweet loop that takes in the entire mountain and offers up some fine views of the surrounding countryside.
The summer season may be waning, but that doesn't mean you can't make the trek north to Aroostook. The park is open all year, so make plans for a long weekend or come on up for a week.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=212017&ac=Outdoors
Courtesy Carey Kish
By CAREY KISH
Portland Press Herald
It's a long way to Aroostook County, Maine's largest and the biggest county east of the Mississippi River, for many of us, but it's worth the trip for the beautiful fields, forests and farms; the abundant wildlife; and the friendly, hospitable people that you'll find here. If you haven't made the trip north to "The County"-- and I know many who haven't -- you're really missing out on a special part of Maine.
When you visit Aroostook County, one of the must-see natural gems is Aroostook State Park, located just off of Route 1 five miles south of Presque Isle. The park holds the distinction of being Maine's first state park, created in 1938 with the donation of 100 acres of land from the citizens of Presque Isle. Subsequent land donations have increased the size of the park to about 800 acres, encompassing the twin peaks of Quaggy Jo Mountain and shore frontage on Echo Lake.
"We're right here in the heart of Aroostook County," said County native Scott Thompson, a park ranger, acting park manager and 17-year veteran of Maine's state park system. "Stay here and you can set out and really explore the North Maine Woods."
I visited the park earlier this summer and spent time hiking the mountain trails, strolling along the lakeshore and camping out at a quiet tent site tucked into the trees. It's an enjoyable place to while away some quality time and a good staging point for exploring the many and varied attractions in the region.
"The park is great for recreating, picnicking, swimming, hiking, birding and boating," Thompson said. "And the habitat is perfect for brook trout fishing."
It's semi-wilderness here, as Thompson describes it, far enough away from it all yet still close to the amenities of civilization, a nice combination.
The park sports 30 wooded campsites that can accommodate either tents or camping trailers, each with a picnic table and fire pit. Privies and water faucets are convenient to the sites. Hot showers and a kitchen pavilion with lights and running water are located on the camp road as you drive in, next door to the campground host. There's even a small playground to keep the kids busy.
Two tent platforms high on Quaggy Jo Mountain allow for primitive backcountry camping (no fires, no water). On the back side of the mountain there is an Adirondack shelter in an old farm field, a remote and rustic setting available to large camping groups. Future plans call for building two or three more backcountry tent platforms and another log shelter for four to six people.
On the grassy shore of Echo Lake, visitors will find tables and grills ready for picnicking, and there's a designated swimming area with changing facilities. Boaters and fishermen can take to the water from the dock and launch area. Canoes and paddleboats can be rented, complete with life jackets and paddles. The day-use area is handicapped accessible.
Three miles of hiking trails strike off from the campground and lead walkers up and over Quaggy Jo Mountain, known also by its Indian name, "QuaQuaJo," and translated to mean "twin-peaked." Tackle the South Peak, North Peak and Ridge trails individually or combine all three for a sweet loop that takes in the entire mountain and offers up some fine views of the surrounding countryside.
The summer season may be waning, but that doesn't mean you can't make the trek north to Aroostook. The park is open all year, so make plans for a long weekend or come on up for a week.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=212017&ac=Outdoors
Courtesy Carey Kish
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
