Birdwatching Boating (motorized) Camping Canoeing Cross-country skiing Fishing Hiking (trails) Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Swimming Walking (roads and paths) Watchable wildlife Campground Picnic area Playground Showers Trailered boat launch

Description

Location Lat 46.615453 / Lon -68.008184

Off U.S. Route 1 south of Presque Isle on Echo Lake.

Aroostook State Park is openfor primitive camping and day-use. Flush toilets and showers are available. Hot water is available but may be limited as we work to bring a second water heater online. Drinking water is not yet available due to ongoing water testing; park visitors should bring their own drinking water. The RV dump station is not currently available.

For the latest news and updates, sign up to receive Park Alerts. For Aroostook, text AROO to 888-514-7527. Or subscribe to receive email alerts.

Prepare for your visit Check the Bureau's Safety Page and text AROO to 888-514-7527 to subscribe to the park's Condition Alerts.

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise posted. During all seasons, temporary pre-sunset gate closures may occur. When possible, updates are posted at park entrances and communicated via park conditions alert emails. NOTICE: Fee collected year-round at entry booth by staff or self-service station. Cash or check only, no credit cards accepted. Please be aware that facilities are closed during the off-season.

NOTE: Visitors may park legally and safely outside park gates and walk into the park when vehicle access is closed. Please do not block gates, roadways, or entrances, and avoid parking in restricted or unsafe areas to ensure access for emergency vehicles and staff.

Current Park Conditions.

Aroostook State Park bears the distinct honor of being Maine's first state park. In 1938 interested citizens of Presque Isle donated 100 acres of land to the State of Maine, and following that gesture, the park became reality in 1939. Today the park totals nearly 800 acres thanks to subsequent donations and purchases.

Aroostook State Park is the ideal starting point for discovering the North Maine Woods, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Encompassing Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake, the park offers a unique chance to study our geologic past. In fact, Quaggy Jo is the shortened from of its Indian name, "Qua Qua Jo" which translates to "twin peaked."

When visiting the park, nearby Haystack Mountain is worth a visit. Located on Rt. 163, 4 miles west of Mapleton. It offers a short, rugged .5-mile climb with rewarding 360-degree views of Aroostook County. Bert Winslow's "Haystack Mountain Calling.

Read the September 9, 2018 Rubys on the Road review of the park.

Read about the park's geology in the Maine Geological Survey's Geologic Fact and Locality guide Quaggy Jo Mountain, Aroostook State Park Learn about the geology of the area on the interactive Maine Geologic Facts and Localities map.

When visiting the park, nearby Haystack Mountain is worth a visit. Located

on Rt. 163, 4 miles west of Mapleton

It offers a short, rugged .5-mile climb with rewarding 360-degree views of Aroostook County. View photos and listen to Bert Winslow's Haystack Mountain Calling.

Land for Maine's Future This property was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine's Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund contributed to this State Park.Learn more about LWCF.

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Activities

• Birdwatching
• Boating (motorized)
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking (trails)
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Swimming
• Walking (roads and paths)
• Watchable wildlife

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Rules

• Camp only at established sites, many of which can be reserved in advance at www.campwithme.com.
• Observe wildlife from far enough away that they do not change their behavior: do not follow or feed animals. Avoid areas with nesting birds, dens or young animals (even those that appear abandoned).
• Keep pets on leash at all times and do not leave them unattended. Dogs are not allowed on the ski trails in the winter.
• Park rules prohibit use of intoxicating beverages.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
• Quiet in camping areas is required between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Rules and regulations are posted on the park bulletin board.
• See Rules for State Parks and Historic Sites

Consider lending a hand. Contact us if you would like to help with stewardship or maintenance work.

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Trails

Trail Activities & Conditions for Aroostook State Park.

Natural Heritage Hikes are narratives that guide hikers through the rich ecological, geological, and cultural elements encountered on 25 of Maine's most popular hiking trails. These descriptions provide the hiker with the what, how, and why of the natural environments they are walking through. Natural Heritage Hike for Aroostook State Park - Quaggy Joe - South Peak Trail, North-South Peak Ridge, North Peak Trail. OR View the complete Natural Heritage Hikes listing.

Cross-country Ski Network at Maine Trail Finder allows you to see the ski trails at Aroostook State Park.

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Tours and Programs

View the Maine Parks and Lands Event Calendar

Winter Family Fun Day - Take It Outside Event

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Services and Facilities

• Campground
• Picnic area
• Playground
• Showers
• Trailered boat launch
• See Visitor Accessibility

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Special Considerations

While daytime summer temperatures average about 68 F (20 Celsius) in northern Maine, evenings and gray days can be chilly. In winter, expect daytime temperatures around 18 F (-8 Celsius) and take extra care in snow and icy conditions.

Moving firewood can transport exotic insects & diseases that pose a serious threat to our forests. Don't transport firewood, buy it from a local source. Buy It Where You Burn It

In Late Spring and early summer, be prepared for mosquitoes, black flies and midges (no-see-ums).

Bring canoes, kayaks, bikes and fishing rods, there are many miles of water and trails to explore in the local area. There are local vendors that can set you up with rental equipment if needed.

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